The strain of salmonella found in recalled beef is resistant to many antibiotics and cooking is not a reliable way to kill it, according to the state Department of Public Health and Environment.

The Denver-based King Soopers grocery chain on Wednesday recalled 466,236 pounds of ground beef products that were distributed to stores in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

Fourteen people in Colorado became ill after eating the meat.

Brian Mabry of the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service said Friday this was the first time the agency had recalled raw ground beef for salmonella.

The bacteria can cause abdominal cramping, pain and diarrhea.

It can be a serious illness for those with a weak immune system and for the very young or very old.

"If you look at the history of outbreaks, we are very fortunate that they are relatively rare. Cholera, e coli and other bacteria and some viruses are much more common in areas where there is not clean water and good understandings of hand hygiene and public health regulations around food handling," said Dr. Dianne McCallister, the chief medical officer at Porter Adventist Hospital.

Ways to protect yourself:

Good hand hygiene
Keep raw meat away from other foods
Dont use the same cutting surfaces or utensils for both
Disinfect any surfaces that have been in contact with raw meat before touching any other foods
Cook meat thoroughly
Wash fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them
Thaw food properly

Seek medical attention:

Fevers over 101 degrees Farenheit
Severe abdominal pain or cramping
Dehydration
Diarrhea or vomiting that lasts for more than 3 days
Diarrhea or vomiting which contains blood

Every Monday Dr. Dianne McCallister appears on the morning show. You can chat with her online following the program at blog.porterhospital.org.