Protect yourself against E. coli and know when to see a doctor

Amid the news of yet another food recall due to E. coli contamination, many people are wondering what they can do to keep themselves safe. 

A meatpacking company this week recalled more than 167,000 pounds of ground beef amid fears it was tainted with the bacteria. 

At least 19 people in Minnesota became ill after consuming the beef, which was shipped to restaurants, according to federal health officials. An investigation is ongoing, the Associated Press reported. 

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The ground beef recall came on the heels of a massive recall of organic carrots that were also contaminated with E. coli. That outbreak, so far, has sickened people in at least 18 states and killed at least one, according to reports. 

E. coli — the more common name of the bacterium Escherichia coli — is a type of bacterium found in the environment, foods and intestines of people and animals, according to the CDC's website. 

E. coli is a bacterium naturally found in the environment – but some kinds can make people very sick.  (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

People can contract E. coli through a myriad of sources, including contaminated water and food and contact with animals. 

Eating meat that has not been cooked sufficiently to kill E. coli can cause infection, according to Mitzi D. Baum, CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness in Chicago. 

"Among other known sources of infection is consumption of sprouts, lettuce, salami, unpasteurized milk (and milk products) and unpasteurized juice, and swimming in or drinking sewage-contaminated water," she told Fox News Digital.

How to stay safe

So how can people stay safe — and when should they go to a doctor if they suspect they are ill? 

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Mena Mirhom, M.D., FAPA, an assistant professor at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, told Fox News Digital that concerned consumers should exercise the "4C" method when it comes to food safety.

These four Cs, he said, are "clean," "cut," "cook," and "chill." 

A person should "wash food and hands thoroughly, especially now."

A person should "wash food and hands thoroughly, especially now," he said. 

Additionally, people should "separate raw chicken, beef and seafood" to prevent contamination, including using separate cutting boards when preparing food.

Cooking food "thoroughly" will inhibit bacteria growth, he said, as will refrigerating food immediately.

Cooking food thoroughly can limit the growth of harmful bacteria, including E. coli, said one doctor.  (iStock)

Letting food sit at room temperature can result in a favorable environment for bacteria, including E. coli, to flourish. 

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While anyone can contract E. coli, certain groups – including children under age 5 and adults over age 65, as well as those with weakened immune systems – are at an increased risk of serious complications, including death.

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Some types of E. coli bacteria cause diarrhea, noted the CDC website. Diarrhea can be dangerous, particularly in young children. 

To decide about seeking medical treatment, Mirhom referenced a mnemonic device known as "BATHS." 

People should seek medical help if they have symptoms for more than three or four days, or dehydration issues, a doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

B, said Mirhom, stands for "bloody diarrhea," "A" is for "abdominal pain that's persistent," "T" is for "temperature" – meaning a fever over 101 degrees - H is a "hydration issue, becoming dehydrated or showing discolored urine," and "S" is for "symptoms that persist for three to four days." 

Anyone with suspected E. coli with symptoms that fall under the "BATHS" conditions should contact a doctor, he said.

Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed reporting. 

Christine Rousselle is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.