Answer
Only the outside of a steak is at risk for contamination because it is the only part that has been exposed to oxygen, a knife, and the person handling it. When you order a steak rare or medium rare, the outside of the steak is cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, destroying most possible contaminants. Of course there is going to be risk involved in eating meat that is not fully cooked and therefore anyone with a suppressed immune system (children, elderly, the ill) should always lean towards more fully cooked steak.
When beef is ground into hamburger, any contamination that was on the outside is now spread throughout the whole meat and should be fully cooked to 155 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds to destroy most possible contaminants. However, your favorite burger joint can still serve you a medium-rare burger at your request provided there is a consumer advisory on the menu.
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