Health Alert: E. Coli Infection and what to look for

The recent outbreak that claimed the lives of 9 people, and caused Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (symptoms associated with kidney failure) in over 400 people in Germany has apparently spread to the US.  On May 31, 3 Americans who recently traveled from Hamburg have been reported with Shiga Toxin E. Coli infestation.

E. Coli normally resides in our colon.  The problem is when some strains of E. Coli develop the Shiga toxin.  This toxin has a virulent ability to create havoc on the immune system. 

Some symptoms can include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea (often bloody) with vomiting.  If there is a fever, it is low grade.  Most of the time it is self limiting and lasts only 5-7 days, however some unfortunately develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) about a week after the diarrhea starts.

HUS is a syndrome of 3 classic symptoms: anemia (low blood levels), renal damage, and thrombocytopenia (low platelets).  The anemia is caused by the spleen chomping on the blood cells causing abnormal shapes what we call “schistocytes and helmet cells.”

If you know of anyone who develops these symptoms, go to nearest ER, and get stool studies.  Antibiotics are not recommended until full diagnostic studies can be done.  Sometimes antibiotics and increase risk of developing the HUS.  Labs will report positive stool cultures to the state health departments.

More information can be obtained from the CDC.  Any questions for article please submit to runsinthewynd@gmail.com