According to WFMY News in North Carolina, two children in Davidson County have been hospitalized with severe, bloody diarrhea and may be suffering from E. coli infections. The cases were reported on Friday, December 27, 2013. The possible cause of these illnesses is not known at this time.
Both of the children have hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that can be caused by an E. coli infection. HUS can destroy the kidneys and cause many other problems, including stroke, heart attack, and hemolytic anemia.
“Almost all of the cases of HUS in the United States are caused by E. coli O157:H7 in food or water,” said Fred Pritzker, a national E. coli lawyer who represents children with E. coli-HUS.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe stomach and abdominal cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody and/or watery, vomiting, and low fever. If you or anyone in your family has these symptoms, please see a healthcare provider immediately. E. coli infections are reportable diseases, so anyone diagnosed with this illness will be reported to the health department.
To prevent transmission of these infections, always wash your hands with soap and water before handling and preparing food, before eating, after using the bathroom, and after changing diapers. If you have questions about this possible outbreak, contact the Davidson County Health Department at 336-236-3096 and select #8.
