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E. coli and HUS: Two Stories of Survival
With massive recalls of ground beef and other products such as spinach due to E. coli contamination clouding the food supply, the rise of dangerous diseases has been affecting individuals across the nation. If a person becomes infected with E. coli bacteria, the infection can often lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
HUS is characterized by damage and destruction of the red blood cells, which leads to a lower than normal number of red blood cells (a condition called anemia), blood clots, and damage to blood vessel walls. In the most severe cases, HUS can include damage to the kidneys, which can lead to failure of the kidneys (renal failure). Other complications that can accompany the illness are thrombocytopenia (platelet deficiency in the blood) and neurologic signs, including irritability and, very rarely, seizures.
A Minnesota woman recently awoke from a medically-induced coma due to HUS. 21 years of age, and recovering in Rochester, Minnesota, she contracted an E. coli infection from a contaminated burger that she ate. She is still expected to spend many more months recovering from her illness. Her story and a video can be found at KARE 11.
A child from New Mexico also developed HUS around the time of the spinach E. coli outbreak in July 2006. His parents took him to the Children’s Hospital at the University of New Mexico, and three days after being admitted his kidneys failed.
According to the Valencia County News Bulletin,
There is currently no good way to battle E. coli infections and patients are often left to “fight it out.” With the risks associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), it is important to keep E. coli contaminated products away from consumers and to utilize measures to keep the food supply safe.
HUS is characterized by damage and destruction of the red blood cells, which leads to a lower than normal number of red blood cells (a condition called anemia), blood clots, and damage to blood vessel walls. In the most severe cases, HUS can include damage to the kidneys, which can lead to failure of the kidneys (renal failure). Other complications that can accompany the illness are thrombocytopenia (platelet deficiency in the blood) and neurologic signs, including irritability and, very rarely, seizures.
A Minnesota woman recently awoke from a medically-induced coma due to HUS. 21 years of age, and recovering in Rochester, Minnesota, she contracted an E. coli infection from a contaminated burger that she ate. She is still expected to spend many more months recovering from her illness. Her story and a video can be found at KARE 11.
A child from New Mexico also developed HUS around the time of the spinach E. coli outbreak in July 2006. His parents took him to the Children’s Hospital at the University of New Mexico, and three days after being admitted his kidneys failed.
According to the Valencia County News Bulletin,
Things quickly cascaded from bad to worse — Kevin's lungs filled with fluid, he developed pancreatitis, he required blood transfusions and daily dialysis. "We didn't know when it was going to stop," his mother (Carolyn) remembers.Kevin is recovering and at home with his parents, but he and his family are working to make the public aware of the dangers of HUS. Appearing in commercials and hosting a radiothon, Kevin is doing all he can to benefit the hospital that helped save his life. The radiothon is being broadcast on 100.3 The Peak.
After five weeks of ups and downs, Kevin's kidneys began functioning again, but they are scared and damaged. "Most kids do recover, but with the scar tissue we have a long road ahead," Carolyn said. "We are probably looking at a transplant at some point. The doctors can't say when because they aren't sure what his body will do."
There is currently no good way to battle E. coli infections and patients are often left to “fight it out.” With the risks associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), it is important to keep E. coli contaminated products away from consumers and to utilize measures to keep the food supply safe.
Labels: E. coli and HUS, hemolytic uremic syndrome, HUS survivors
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Foodborne Outbreaks
- Oklahoma E. coli: An Oklahoma E. coli outbreak may be linked to a Locust Grove restaurant.
- Nebraska Beef Lawsuit: Nebraska Beef, Ltd. has recalled millions of pounds of beef products and has been linked to 2 outbreaks.
- Massachusettes E. coli: A Massachusettes E. coli outbreak has been linked to Nebraska Beef products and Coleman Meat products.
- Whole Foods Market Lawsuit: The Whole Foods Market E. coli outbreak is part of the Massachusettes E. coli outbreak above.
- Virginia E. coli - Goshen Scout Reservation: Dozens of scouts were sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to beef.
- Georgia E. coli - Barbecue Pit Lawsuit
- Ohio E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
- Michigan E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
- Multi-State Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak: Tomatoes have sickened hundreds of people throughout the United States.
- Minnesota Preschool E. coli: Outbreak associated with Wonder World Preschool in Slayton, Minnesota.
- Washington E. coli Lettuce: Outbreak associated with commercial romaine lettuce.
- Texas Salmonella Saintpaul - Tomato: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
- New Mexico Salmonella Saintpaul Linked to Tomatoes: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
- Nebraska E. coli Outbreak Associated with Roast Beef
- Hepatitis A - La Mesa California Chipotle - Lawyer and Lawsuit: San Diego County hepatitis A outbreak
- Salmonella - Puffed Rice Recall and Puffed Wheat Recall: Malt-O-Meal cereal recall.
- Minnesota Salmonella - Milford Valley Farms Lawsuit: Frozen chicken product.
- Salmonella - Agropecuaria Montelibano Cantaloupe Recall: Cantaloupe from Honduras.
- Salmonella Litchfield Cantaloupe Lawsuit: Recall of Dole, Chiquita and other brands.
- Honolulu E. coli - Sekiya's Lawsuit and Lawyer: E. coli associated with Hawaii restaurant.
- Alabama E. coli - Church Supper: Outbreak associated with Eastern Shore Baptis Church.
- E. coli - Rochester Meat Company Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef recall.
- E. coli - Jeno's and Totino's Pizza Recall and Lawsuit: Pepperoni on pizza.
- E. coli - Topps Recall and Lawsuit: Hamburger patty recall.
- E. coli - Cargill/Sam's Club Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef patty recall.
- Listeria - Whittier Farms Recall and Lawsuit: Miscarriage and death linked to milk.
- Hawaii Salmonella - Tuna Recall and Lawsuit
- Salmonella - Safeway Ground Beef Recall and Lawsuit