Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
In some persons, particularly children under 5 years of age and the elderly, a shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection can also cause a severe complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
- About 2%-7% of E. coli O157:H7 infections lead to HUS.
- With HUS Infection, the red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys
fail.
- In the United States, HUS is the principal cause of acute kidney failure
in children, and most cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome are caused
by E. coli O157:H7.
Fact Sheet
CDC: Escherichia coli O157:H7
Fact sheet answers some common questions about E. coli O157:H7
and HUS.
Do you suspect that you have a foodborne or waterborne illness? Visit reporting suspected foodborne/waterborne illnesses.
To report a suspected foodborne or waterborne illness call 1-877-FOOD-ILL.
Spotlight
Safer Farm Animal Contact Exhibits (Safer FACEs)
The Safer Farm Animal Contact Exhibits (Safer FACEs) training program can help you understand the risks of illness and injury from farm animals, and how to protect your visitors. Complete this free online training and the Minnesota Department of Health will provide certification that your venue has learned about these issues.
Keeping Food Safe During Buffets or Picnics
Buffets or picnics can be a means to transmit disease among your guests if care is not taken in how the food is handled.
Preventing Illness Associated with Animal Contact
How to stay healthy around household pets, petting zoos and fairs.
Waterborne Illness
Waterborne illness is caused by recreational or drinking water contaminated by disease-causing microbes or pathogens. Of note, many waterborne pathogens can also be acquired by consuming contaminated food or beverages, from contact with animals or their environment, or through person-to-person spread.
There's No Such Thing as "Stomach Flu" (PDF)
Complaints of "stomach flu" are usually norovirus, the most common cause of gastrointestinal illness.
Food Safety Basics: Preventing Foodborne Illness
There's a lot you can do to handle and prepare your food safely. Learn what you can do to prepare, serve and store food safely.
Protect others if you are experiencing diarrhea!
Anyone with a diarrheal illness should avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and preparing food for others.
Young children (children in diapers) that are experiencing diarrhea should not be allowed to go swimming or attend daycare.
Contact us:
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.