Summary
E. coli is a group of bacteria that is commonly found in the gut of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless without causing any problems, however there are some like Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) that can cause illness in humans. You can become ill from STEC by eating contaminated foods, drinking contaminated water, by direct contact with farm animals (and their environment) or by spreading it from person to person. Download the fast facts sheet below.
