Overview
Outbreaks of foodborne disease caused by E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria have become a serious problem in this country. E. coli O157:H7, one type of the bacteria, has caused illness and major disease outbreaks in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 73,000 cases of infection with E. coli O157:H7 and 61 deaths occur in this country every year.