Not all strains of E. coli cause illness. Anyone, but it appears to be more common in children than adults.
Raw milk can also contain the bacteria.
The bacteria are spread by eating food or water that is contaminated with feces of an infected animal or person. An infected food handler can contaminate food by failing to wash hands after going to the bathroom. Some people have become ill after swimming in lake water contaminated with feces of infected persons or animals. The major symptoms are stomach cramps and diarrhea, which can look like bloody water. Other symptoms may include vomiting, fever and chills.