What is E. coli? What to know about bacteria tied to recalls of ground beef, walnuts

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After two recent major recalls for organic walnuts and ground beef found to be potentially contaminated with E. coli, interest in symptoms and prevention for the disease is on the rise.

E. coli is actually a group of bacteria that are found all over the environment, from foods to the intestines of people and animals. There are a few different kinds of E. coli that may make us sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says: Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and Diarrheagenic E. coli.

Most E. coli is harmless. When contracted, some can still cause several days of vomiting, diarrhea and general unpleasantness, although it is not deadly for most people.

Here's what you should know about E. coli.

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What is E. coli?

Escherichia coli, abbreviated as E. coli, are bacteria that are found in the environment, foods and intestines of people and animals, according to the CDC.

What are the symptoms of E. coli?

While symptoms can vary person to person, common symptoms for E. coli can include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Some people can have a fever, often less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and most people get better within five to seven days.

Most people who are infected start feeling sick three to four days after eating or drinking something that contains the bacteria, but illnesses can start anywhere from one to 10 days after exposure.

Some infections are very mild, but the CDC says others can be severe or life-threatening.

Is E. coli dangerous?

Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can make you sick and cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illnesses and pneumonia and other illnesses.

About 5-10% of people who are diagnosed with a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection can develop a potentially life-threatening complication, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

HUS develops about seven days after symptoms first appear and when diarrhea is improving. HUS symptom can include a decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids.

The CDC says people with HUS need to be hospitalized, because their kidneys may stop working or they may develop other serious problems. While most people recover from HUS in a few weeks, some can have permanent damage or die.

How to prevent E. coli infections

Because E. coli are bacteria that are found in the environment, there are a number of ways that you can try to prevent its spread.

People who have a higher chance for foodborne illness include pregnant women, newborns, children, older adults and people with weak immune systems, such as people with diabetes, cancer or HIV/AIDS.

To try to prevent an E. coli infection, be sure to practice proper hygiene and good handwashing. If you don't have soap and water available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

When preparing food, follow these four steps for food safety: clean, separate, cook and chill.

Wash fruits and vegetable well under running water, unless the package says they have already been washed. Cook meats thoroughly and always use a food thermometer to check that the meat has reached a safe internal temperature.

Avoid raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products and unpasteurized juices.

When swimming and playing in lakes, ponds, streams, swimming pools and backyard "kiddie" pools, don't swallow water.