Download Escherichia Coli O157:H7 and Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

Escherichia Coli O157:H7 and
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 can cause an infection of the intestines. These bacteria are found in the
digestive tract of some beef and dairy cattle, where they can get into milk, or into meat during the
slaughtering process. In humans, the bacteria produce a toxin, which can cause diarrhea. In rare cases,
people can also develop HUS, which is a serious complication of E. coli O157:H7 infection. HUS is
more common in children than adults.
CAUSES:
E. coli O157:H7 bacteria
SYMPTOMS:
People infected with E. coli O157:H7 can have no symptoms at
all, or they can be ill with watery or severe bloody diarrhea,
abdominal cramps and low-grade fever
In some cases, people infected with these bacteria can develop
HUS, a serious disease that affects the kidneys and blood
clotting system. People with HUS usually need to be
hospitalized; dialysis (artificial kidney) and transfusions are often
needed
SPREAD:
By eating meat (especially ground beef) that is not thoroughly
cooked, or by drinking unpasteurized milk or fruit juices. These
bacteria can also easily spread from person to person, especially
from children in diapers. E. coli O157:H7 leaves the body
through the stool of an infected person and enters another
person when hands, food, or objects (such as toys)
contaminated with stool, are placed in the mouth. Spread can
occur when a person does not wash his/her hands after using
the toilet or changing diapers. Cases have occurred after visits to
sites with animals (petting zoos, pet stores, farms)
INCUBATION:
It takes from two to eight days, usually about three to four days,
from the time a person is exposed until symptoms develop
CONTAGIOUS
PERIOD:
The bacteria can be found in the stool for about one week,
possibly as long as two to eight weeks, after the start of
symptoms
EXCLUSION:
Until two consecutive stool cultures, 24 hours apart and at least
48 hours after treatment is completed, are negative and child is
asymptomatic
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-----or----Until symptoms are resolved and two consecutive stool cultures,
obtained at least one day apart, have tested negative for E. coli
0157:H7 if no treatment given
REPORTABLE
Provider: This disease is reportable to the local or state health
department
Parents/guardians: Inform your childcare provider if your child
has this illness
PREVENTION/CONTROL:
1.
Thoroughly cook all hamburger or ground beef until it is brown, not pink, inside. Internal
temperature of 160 degrees kills bacteria. Do not drink unpasteurized milk or fruit juice.
2.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water after using the toilet, changing diapers,
and before preparing or eating food. Thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent
spread of infectious diseases found in the intestinal tract.
3.
Clean and disinfect contaminated areas (diapering area, toilets, potty chairs) and toys at least
daily and when soiled.
DISINFECTING SOLUTION:
•
To disinfect clean, non-food surfaces: Use a solution of household bleach and water -- ¼ cup
bleach in a gallon of water. (to make smaller amount in a spray bottle, use 1-½ teaspoons bleach
in a pint of water.) Saturate area with solution. Do not rinse. Air dry.
•
To disinfect mouthed toys or eating utensils: Boil, use a commercial dishwasher, or soak clean
items for 2 minutes in a weak bleach solution -- 1 tablespoon bleach added to one gallon of
water (or a teaspoon in a quart). Do not rinse. Air dry. This solution can also be used to
disinfect clean kitchen surfaces.
•
Prepare solution fresh daily because it loses its ability to kill germs with time.
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DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT:
Discuss this letter with your physician if you or your child has symptoms of E. coli O157:H7, HUS, or
tests positive for shigatoxin. There is a lab test to look for E. coli O157:H7 in the stool. HUS cannot be
diagnosed with a single laboratory test. Doctors use the results of tests for kidney function, blood
clotting factors, and blood counts to decide if a person has HUS.
As with all types of diarrhea, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration.
For more information, please call Epidemiology Services at the
Northern Kentucky Health Department at 859.363.2070.
Revised August 2003
Revised June 2005
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If you are visiting an animal exhibit:
Hand-washing stations
• Find out where hand-washing stations are located
• Always wash your hands after petting animals or touching the animal enclosure,
especially before eating and drinking.
• Running water and soap are best. Use hand gels if running water and soap are not
available.
Food and drinks
• Keep food and drinks out of animal areas.
• Do not share your food with animals.
• Do not eat or drink raw (unpasteurized) dairy products.
Children
• Children younger than 5 years old need supervision.
• Never allow children to put their hands or objects (For example: pacifiers) in their
mouth while interacting with animals.
• Hand washing should be supervised.
Copied from:
CDC(2004). Stay Healthy at Animal Exhibits this Summer. Healthy Pets Healthy
People. Retrieved June 7, 2005 from:
http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/spotlightanexhbts.htm
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