VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – As the Canadian Food Inspection Agency once again expands its massive recall of beef products from XL Foods, News1130 is finding out what symptoms you should look for if you think you’ve come into contact with E. coli.

You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it; but strains of the harmful bacteria can leave you fighting for your life. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall says you would probably know if you’ve been infected.

“The symptoms would be a gastrointestinal illness with cramps and diarrhea. One of the symptoms of a more serious illness is you get bloody diarrhea, particularly in younger people,” explains Kendall.

“It can cause a kidney shut-down. So, it’s not uncommon to see younger children who get E. coli infections ending up in hospital and needing supportive treatment,” he adds.

Kendall adds staying hydrated is the best way to combat any minor symptoms. But anyone suffering from serious symptoms, especially bleeding, should get to their care provider as soon as they can.