According to the CDC’s Escherichia Coli General Information webpage, there are different forms of E. coli bacteria. Some are harmless, others can be potentially fatal. E. coli O157:H7 is a unique form of E. coli bacteria. This form of E. coli is capable of generating Shiga toxin. When the toxin are produced from E. coli bacteria, complications can result. The E. coli bacteria itself can cause bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is a complication which can result from this type of E. coli infection. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) usually manifests itself approximately one week after the E. coli infection begins. HUS can occur when an individual’s symptoms are beginning to subside. The CDC lists as symptoms of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: “frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids.” HUS can be fatal and occurs most frequently in young children. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is seen in between 5 and 10 percent of Shiga Toxin E. coli related cases. (CDC).
Richard J. Arsenault, 2010
