Long-Term Health Risks Of E. coli Poisoning
More than a quarter of a million Americans are sickened by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most common STEC strain is E. coli O157:H7, the strain at the heart of the outbreak linked to The Ambassador restaurant in Houghton, Michigan that has sickened seven people.
Between 5 and 10 percent of those diagnosed with an STEC infection, develop a potentially life threatening complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS usually effects children under 10, but it can also effect adolescents and adults. People with HUS require hospitalization because their kidneys can fail. HUS usually runs its course within 15 days, but it can lead to serious long-term illness including:
Kidney Failure
HUS is the leading cause of kidney failure in children. Impaired urine production during HUS can lead to long-term health consequences including chronic kidney impairment.
Neurological Damage
During the acute stage of HUS, patients can experience seizures, stroke or coma. These can cause long-lasting or permanent neurological damage.
Diabetes
During the acute phase of HUS, patients can develop diabetes, which can persist over the long term.
Gastro-intestinal problems
HUS patints are at risk of developing gall stones, irritable bowel syndrome, or experiencing a narrowing of the small intestine or colon.
If you have legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak, contact the attorneys at PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation.
