Summer Danger: E. Coli

A new study from the Natural Resources Defense Council finds there was a substantial jump in the number of beach closings last year due to high levels of bacteria, such as E. coli, in the water.

Dr. Mallika Marshall from WBZ-TV, a CBS affiliate in Boston, visits The Early Show to offer tips on how to spot, protect and treat this potentially deadly bacterium.

Although most strains of Escherichia coli are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, this strain produces a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness.

The report found there were more than 13,000 beach closings and advisories last year. That's a 19 percent increase over the previous year. Heavy rainfall is to blame for some of the closings. But much of the rise is a result of better monitoring of bacteria normally found in human and animal waste.

How serious is E.coli? Last week, 18 million pound of beef had to be recalled after more than 20 people got sick from contamination of the bacteria.

Here are some ways E. coli can spread:

• CONTAMINATED MEAT
  Eating undercooked meat can put you at greater risk of getting sick from E. coli. It's important to note that infected beef can look and smell normal.
• POLLUTED WATERS
  E. coli can be found in rivers, lakes and in the ocean. In fact, the beaches along Chicago's Lake Michigan are closed this week because dangerously high levels of the bacteria were detected.
• UNPASTEURIZED MILK AND JUICE
  Milk and juice that hasn't been sterilized can also contain the E. coli bacteria.

Some E. coli symptoms are:

• DIARRHEA
  Diarrhea is the most common symptom. It usually gets better on its own, but if the diarrhea persists or blood is seen, call a doctor immediately.
• ABDOMINAL CRAMPS
  Abdominal cramping is very common with E. coli infections. But if severe belly pain erupts, that's another sign that a doctor should be called.
• NAUSEA AND VOMITING
  Some people may develop nausea and vomiting but if it's prolonged or food can't be kept down, then call a physician.

To avoid E.coli, Marshall gives the following tips:

• COOK MEAT THOUROUGHLY
  Beef should be cooked to 160 degrees. Chicken to 180 degrees.
• WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY
  This is especially important while cooking and after using the bathroom.
• AVOID POLLUTED WATERS
  If you are going to go swimming in lakes, rivers or the ocean, make sure you keep your mouth closed.

People with E. coli infections can become dehydrated. So to prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. If dry mouth or lethargy develops, an IV hydration may be needed. Some serious cases also are treated with antibiotics.