How can E. Coli infect humans?

When a person swallows even a small amount of Escherichia Coli, the person can
become infected. Most people become infected from E. Coli by contaminated food such
as ground meat, untreated milk, vegetables and fruits, other foods and beverages, and
water. People can also be infected by animals, people who have these bacteria and
even in the kitchen specifically in knives and cutting board that has touched uncooked
meat or foods. When ground meat is processed, the bacteria from the animals'
intestines make their way into the meat. This happens more with ground meat because
it comes from more than one animal. Untreated milk can carry E. Coli because it hasn't
been heated to kill bacteria and this bacteria can get into the milk from the cow's udder
or from the milking equipment. Fresh vegetables and fruits can carry E. Coli because
the water that is tainted can have the bacteria, this happens most often when manure
from nearby animals mixes with the water supply. People might also get E. coli from
unpasteurized fruit juices and yogurt and cheese made from raw milk. Water can also
carry the bacteria by swallowing water from swimming pool, lake or pond that contains
E.Coli. People might get E. coli from another person who has it, such as a child by
having physical contact to an infected person and when a person do not wash his/her
hands really well before touching their mouth. Animals that carry E. Coli can be found at
petting zoos or animal exhibits at fairs. E. Coli is naturally found in the intestinal tracts of
many farm animals, including healthy cattle, sheep, and goats. Animals can carry E.
coli and shed the germs in their stool but still appear healthy and clean. The germs can
quickly contaminate the animals’ skin, fur, feathers, and the areas where they live and
roam