Shiga toxin-producing e. coli (stec) and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (hus)
Escherichia coli (E.coli) are germs found in the gut of humans and animals. Most E.coli are not harmful. However, a type of E coli called Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) can cause serious disease. STEC is spread by contaminated food or water or contact with infected animals or people.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of STEC infection include:
- Diarrhoea that may have blood in it
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sometimes a fever
Most people with STEC first become unwell 2 to 10 days after swallowing the germs. Some people have mild or no symptoms. The following groups can have severe illness:
- Children
- The elderly
- People with weak immune systems
People with STEC may get a rare complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a severe condition. People with HUS have kidney failure, bleeding and anaemia. It can be fatal. HUS is most common in children under five years of age. Symptoms of HUS include:
- Bruising or a rash with fine spots
- Reduced urination
- Reduced consciousness in some cases
Treatment
- Most people with STEC infection get better in a few days without any treatment.
- People with diarrhoea should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- If you have blood in your diarrhoea, cannot stay hydrated, or you are worried, please see a doctor.
- Antibiotics are not usually recommended and may be harmful.
- Avoid anti-diarrhoea medications.
- HUS is a rare but serious illness that requires hospital admission. Blood transfusions and kidney dialysis are often required.
Transmission
STEC can be found in the gut of animals, particularly cattle and sheep, and infected people. People can get infected by:
- eating food with the germs (e.g. undercooked burgers, unwashed salad vegetables, and unpasteurised milk or milk products)
- drinking or swimming in contaminated (dirty) water
- contact with faeces (poo) of an infected person (e.g. when changing a nappy)
- contact with animal faeces (poo) (e.g. on farms or at petting zoos)
Most adults with STEC can spread the germ for up to one week. Children can spread the germ for three weeks. Sometimes people can remain infectious for much longer.
Prevention
STEC infection is prevented by:
- safe food handling and storage:
- cook meat thoroughly, especially sausages and hamburgers, until the juices run clear and there are no pink areas inside.
- wash raw fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- do not eat or drink unpasteurised milk or dairy products.
- wash knives and cutting boards well between and after each use.
- careful hand washing with soap and water. Always wash your hands after going to the toilet, changing nappies, before and after handling food, before eating, and after touching animals or their environments. Help young children to wash their hands properly.
To prevent others from getting sick, people with STEC should not return to work or school until 48 hours after their symptoms stop. Extra care needs to be taken for people in the following groups who may need extra testing after they have recovered:
- All children aged 5 years or under who attend school or childcare
- People who have difficulties in practising good personal hygiene
- Food handlers
- Carers of patients, children or the elderly.
Sometimes people who have had close contact with someone with STEC infection may need to be tested and stay away from work, school or childcare.
Other resources
Food Safety - Queensland Health
Help and assistance
For further information please contact your local doctor, community health centre, nearest public health unit, or the 13 HEALTH information line (13 43 25 84).
If you are in an emergency situation, call 000