Two Children in Michigan Hospitalized with E. coli-HUS
Two young children from Maple Rapids, Michigan have been hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) after contracting E. coli infections, according to the Mid- Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD).
A third Maple Rapids resident, who did not develop HUS, is recovering from an E. coli infection. Health officials have not yet determined the source of this outbreak of E. coli and HUS.
E. coli is a bacterium that is normally found in the guts of animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and deer. If spread by the fecal-oral route, through undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk or beverages, for example, an infection can develop.
Symptoms include nausea, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea, which can sometimes be bloody. diarrhea. One week following the onset of diarrhea, the kidneys can start to malfunction. When this happens, chemicals that are normally excreted in the urine start to build up in dangerous amounts. There is also a drop in the red blood cells causing anemia.
Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of an E. coli infection. HUS most often affects children under five. It is characterized by kidney damage and loss of blood. Treatment requires kidney dialysis.
