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E. coli and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Prevention Information

E. coli BacteriaSince Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is caused by E. coli food poisoning or, less often, by a Shigella infection, prevention of Shigella and E. coli food poisoning will prevent most cases of HUS.

Simple precautions can help prevent Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome:

  • Cook all meat thoroughly
  • Return undercooked meat at restaurants
  • Keep your kitchen clean of harmful bacteria
  • Drink only pasteurized milk, juice, or cider
  • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
  • Be aware of the water you drink
  • Wash hands with soap for a minimum of 15 seconds 

As with all foodborne illnesses, most cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) are usually preventable. And because most cases of HUS follow an E. coli infection, the recommendations for preventing E. coli food poisoning are the best steps to take for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome prevention.

Preventive measures by the food industry may reduce the number of cattle that carry E. coli and the frequency of contamination of meat during processing. But since research into such prevention measures is just beginning, it is important that you understand the steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

Cook Meat Thoroughly to Prevent E. coli Food Poisoning and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
People are often infected with E. coli 0157:H7  by eating undercooked ground beef. Therefore, your family should cook all ground beef and hamburger thoroughly. Use a digital instant-read meat thermometer because ground beef can turn brown before disease-causing bacteria are killed. You should check a hamburger by inserting a thermometer into several parts of the patty, especially the thickest section. Make sure it reads at least 160º Fahrenheit. If you do not use a thermometer, you can decrease the risk of getting Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome by ensuring that ground beef patties are not pink in the middle.

If a restaurant serves your family an undercooked hamburger or other ground beef product, send it back for thorough cooking. Don't hesitate to ask for a new bun and a clean plate as well. 

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and E. coli Food Poisoning Prevention in Your Kitchen
You can take steps to avoid spreading harmful bacteria in your kitchen. You should keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods. Wash your hands, counters, and utensils with hot soapy water after they touch raw meat. You should never place cooked hamburgers or ground beef on the unwashed plate that held the raw patties. Wash your meat thermometer after testing ground beef patties that require further cooking. 

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and E. coli Food Poisoning Prevention: Beverages
You should drink only pasteurized milk, juice, or cider. Commercial juice in boxes and vacuum-sealed juice in glass containers has been pasteurized, though it may not say on the label. Juice concentrates are heated sufficiently enough to kill pathogens. Find out if your municipal water supply has been treated with chlorine or other effective disinfectants. When swimming, avoid swallowing lake or pool water. 

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and E. coli Food Poisoning Prevention: Fruits and Vegetables
You should wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially if they will not be cooked before eating. The elderly, people with fragile immune systems and children under five years of age should not eat alfalfa sprouts. Research is underway to devise methods to decontaminate alfalfa seeds and sprouts. 

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and E. coli Food Poisoning Prevention:  Contact with Family Members
You can reduce the risk of spreading infection by ensuring that people with diarrhea (especially children) wash their hands carefully with soap after bowel movements. You should always wash your hands after changing soiled diapers. Anyone with diarrhea should not swim in public pools or lakes, share baths with others, or prepare food for others. 

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Prevention if You Have an E. coli Infection
There is no known method of reducing the likelihood that an E. coli infection will lead to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. However, it seems likely that aggressive and early treatment of a severe E. coli infection may reduce the amount of toxin-producing bacteria in the body, thus helping to lower the risk of HUS. If you or someone in your family has an E. coli infection, consult your physician on how best to treat it.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and E. coli: Lawyer and Free Consultation
This information about Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and E. coli was provided by Pritzker | Olsen, P.A., a nationally-recognized law firm in the area of foodborne illness lawsuits. If you or someone you love has become seriously ill from an E. coli outbreak or any other foodborne illness, contact us for a free consultation regarding your legal rights and remedies. To learn about our senior partner, Fred Pritzker, please see E. coli: Lawyer and Attorney. You can reach an attorney at our law firm by calling toll-free at 1-888-377-8900, e-mailing info@pritzkerlaw.com, or filling in our online consultation form.


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