Unless you’ve been trapped inside a giant capsule for the past month, you’ve probably seen or heard about the recent nationwide outbreak of the most deadly form of Escherichia coli (E. coli).

E. Coli is an outspread group of bacteria that inhabit the intestinal tract of healthy people and animals. While most of the bacteria are harmless and are actually key components in the abortion of certain vitamins, some strains of E. coli are responsible for serious food-borne infections.

First things first, you need to know what types of E. Coli strains are out there. Enterotoxigenic E.coli is a leading cause of diarrhea in children in developing nations and traveler's diarrhea. This type of E. coli spreads in foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, raw seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products and water have become contaminated. Typical symptoms include watery diarrhea and abdominal cramping, which will usually last just a few days. Most times, the infection will clear up on its own without treatment and most people do not experience lasting ill effects.

E. Coli O157:H7 however, is a completely different story. This strain generates a toxin that damages the lining of the small intestine, which results in intense abdominal cramps and severe, bloody diarrhea. A person who becomes infected with E. coli O157:H7 may have 10 or more bowel movements a day, some consisting almost entirely of blood. The loss of fluids and electrolytes can cause dehydration and fatigue. Most cases of E. coli O157:H7 are linked to undercooked meat, but raw fruits and vegetables, such as spinach can also become contaminated. A higher risk lies in prepackaged vegetables and salad mixes. While we can’t always prevent food poisoning, we can do our best to avoid becoming ill by knowing how certain bacteria like E. coli spread and what preventative measures we can take to protect ourselves.

In most cases, people recover completely from the infection in five to 10 days. However, certain people, such as older adults, children under the age of 5 and people with weakened immune systems, may develop a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can sometimes lead to kidney failure because it damages the lining of the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys.

This syndrome takes the lives a few children each year regardless of treatments that include blood and platelet transfusions and kidney dialysis. Other complications include lifelong kidney problems or the requirement of long-term dialysis, high blood pressure, seizures, blindness and paralysis.

An E. Coli infection occurs when a person accidentally ingests the bacteria. The most common sources of infection are:

Meats, raw milk, unwashed fruits and vegetables, dry cured sausage, salami, alfalfa sprouts, lettuce, unpasteurized apple juice, apple cider and contaminated water.

Person-to-person contact. E. Coli bacteria can easily travel from person to person, especially when infected adults and children don't wash their hands properly.

Here are some preventative measures you can take to protect yourself from E. Coli:

Cook all ground meat, hamburger or roast beef thoroughly. Many times meat is likely to brown before it's completely cooked. Meat should be heated to 160 F, so be sure to use a meat thermometer. If you don't have a one, cook ground meat until no pink shows in the center.

To prevent the growth of bacteria in your kitchen, thoroughly clean anything that comes in contact with raw meat, including your hands, counters and utensils. Hot, soapy water, bleach or disinfecting wipes are the best choices. Never put cooked hamburgers on the same plate you used for raw patties.

When eating out, order beef cooked medium or well done.

Drink pasteurized milk, juice and cider.

Wash all raw produce thoroughly. Use plenty of running water and a scrub brush or a vegetable wash.

Never drink untreated water from lakes and streams and always avoid swallowing water when swimming.

Make sure that every person in your household is thoroughly sanitizing their hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before eating.