Pennsylvania Child With HUS E. coli Faces Lifetime of Medical Repercussions
Months after 3-year-old Avala Pierce was hospitalized with an infection of E. coli O157:H7 tied to the summer 2011 outbreak at Cowans Gap State Park in Pennsylvania, the toddler is continuing to suffer ongoing seizures, has mobility issues as a result of a stroke and is now at risk for long-term kidney problems for the rest of her life.
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Community members have rallied behind her, raising more than $1,400 to assist her family's financial strain. Her case is a reminder of how high the stakes are for child victims of E. coli poisoning. Children under 5 are in the age group most likely to suffer a potentially deadly complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Avala's mother provided an update on her condition in an interview with Public Opinion, the local newspaper in Chambersberg, Pennsylvania. Her daughter was one of at least 14 people who fell ill with E. coli O157:H7 infection after a visit to the state park that included swimming. Health officials closed the beach for the remainder of the season as they searched unsuccessfully for the exact cause.
Avala spent many weeks at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center battling HUS kidney failure and other critical illnesses. She needed kidney dialysis for an additional month after she left the hospital.
