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E. Coli Outbreak In New Hampshire Linked To Ground Beef

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Twelve New Hampshire residents have contracted E. coli, which has been linked to ground beef. New Hampshire authorities are still investigating on the exact source of the outbreak, Tech Times reports.

A statement issued by the state Friday said that the victims have been infected with the same E. coli strain since June, after eating ground beef. Those who got the disease were reported to have purchased the ground beef at different locations.

Division of Public Health Services’ Acting Director Marcella Bobinsky said that the agency is now working with federal partners in determining the source.

Bobinsky said that ground beef has been previously recognized as a source of E. coli, and that the public should not consume undercooked ground beef, regardless of whether it’s at home or in a restaurant.

Health officials say that E. coli is not a threat as long as food is properly cooked at a temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. People should also follow food safety guidelines to avoid contamination. This includes washing hands thoroughly, and washing kitchen utensils such as cutting boards and knives that have come in contact with raw meat.

E. coli, short for Escherichia coli, is a bacteria that lives in animal and human intestines. The majority of E. coli strains are harmless, and some even make up a healthy intestinal tract. But some pathogenic E. coli can cause diarrhea and other conditions outside of the intestinal tract. These strains can be transmitted through infected food and water, as well as contact with infected people and animals.

While anyone can be infected with the bacteria, young children, seniors and people with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for infection. Other risk factors include consuming undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, apple cider or juice and soft cheeses made from soft milk.

Those infected are recommended to avoid anti-diarrhea medicines, as these slow down the body’s digestive system and hamper toxins from leaving the body. Consuming a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration and plenty of bed rest also help in treating E. coli patients.

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