This can result in kidney failure, anemia, and internal bleeding, and can be especially dangerous to young children and the elderly. Human infection is usually due to eating undercooked hamburger or foods contaminated with raw or undercooked meat juices. Other manure-contaminated foods that are not cooked have also caused infection. Peel any fruits or vegetables to be eaten raw, or wash them well in plenty of water. Avoid unpasteurized milk.
Ground meat is particularly hazardous, compared to whole pieces of meat like steaks and chops.
This is because the bacteria which get onto the surfaces of the meat during the butchering process get mixed right through the meat when it is ground up. In British Columbia, about 175 cases of hamburger disease are reported every year. It is thought that thousands of other, less serious cases, are not reported to local health officials. Refrigerate or freeze meat as soon as possible after buying. Thaw meat in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.