Preventing An Escherichia coli Pandemic

Health experts around the globe are keeping a close eye on the deadly outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O104, or STEC O104, infections which are centered in Germany.

The outbreak, which began in early May, is among the deadliest in modern history to involve E. coli, and has killed at least 22 people, sickened more than 2,000 across Europe and is now suspected in four cases here in the United States.

The exact source of this outbreak is still not known, but scientists said the suspicions about raw cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, bean sprouts, or other vegetables being a possible source are well-founded since cattle manure used in fertilizer can harbor E. coli.

So, while David Elder, director of regional operations for the Food and Drug Administration, said produce in the United States "remains safe, and there is no reason for Americans to alter where they shop, what they buy, and where they eat. The U.S. food supply is not in jeopardy.", I say that we hope for the best, but expect for the worst.

The best way we can treat this problem is through awareness and prevention. We won't have to worry about treating an pandemic infection if we can easily prevent one.

We need to assume that this deadly E. coli outbreak could easily spread throughout the world if people aren't aware of it, and try to discover new ways in which to inform the public and help prevent the spread.

As such, I'm asking the promiscuous young ladies in America to vigorously wash their vegetables with soap and water before use. Who knows where they've been beforehand?

Food-borne infections are dangerous enough. The last thing we need in this country is another deadly sexually-transmitted disease pandemic.

Image source: Standing at the Crossroads