A 6-year-old girl from Canton, GA has been hospitalized for eight days fighting a life-threatening complication of an E. coli infection, according to WSB-TV. The complication, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), causes kidney failure. The little girl is on a ventilator and undergoing dialysis treatments.
The girl’s parents are hoping people in the community will donate blood or platelets to help their child. Those who are interested can contact the station for more information.
Health officials don’t know the source of the E. coli infection. Food poisoning from E. coli is often associated with undercooked meat, raw fruits and vegetables, an unpasteurized juices or dairy products. Another common source E.coli infections are animal exhibits or petting zoos.
HUS, which most often affects children under 10, destroys and damages and red blood cell causing anemia, blood clots, and damage to blood vessel walls. In addition to kidney failure, HUS can cause seizures, stroke and coma. About 15 percent of children with E. coli infections develop HUS.
