(HealthDay News) -- Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that lives in the intestines of healthy people and animals, says Mayo Clinic. A few strains found in contaminated water or food can cause abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

To help prevent E. coli infection, Mayo Clinic encourages people to:

• Cook hamburgers until they're 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Drink pasteurized milk, juice and cider.
• Wash raw produce thoroughly.
• Wash utensils before and after contact with raw food.
• Wash hands after preparing or eating food, using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Keep raw foods separate.