Q: What's wrong with Boo?
A: Boo has E. coli. The specific strain is 0157:H7. All subsequent information is related to 0157:H7.
Q: What is E. coli 0157:H7 infection?
A: E. coli are bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. Although most strains of this bacteria are harmless, several are known to produce toxins that can cause diarrhea. One particular E. coli strain called 0157:H7 can cause severe diarrhea and kidney damage. Boo has 0157:H7.
Q: Who gets E. coli 0157:H7 infection?
A: Anyone of any age can become infected with E. coli 0157:H7, but children and the elderly are more likely to develop serious complications.
Q: How does one get infect with E. coli?
A: The bacteria are acquired by eating food containing the bacteria. The bacteria live in the intestines of some healthy cattle, and contamination of the meat may occur in the slaughtering process. Eating meat that is rare or inadequately cooked is the most common way of getting the infection. Infection can also occur after consuming foods such as lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, salami, and unpasteurized milk, juice or cider. Person-to-person transmission can occur if infected people do not wash their hands after using the toilet. We don't know how Boo got it.
Q: What are the symptoms of E. coli?
A: Some infected people may have mild diarrhea or no symptoms at all. Most identified cases develop severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Blood is often seen in the stool. Usually little or no fever is present. Boo has severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps almost every hour. Blood has been present in almost all stools since Friday evening.
Q: How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
A: the symptoms usually appear about three days after exposure, with a range of one to nine days.
Q: How is infection diagnosed?
A: Stool culture.
Q: What is the treatment?
A: Most people recover without specific treatment in five to 10 days. Antibiotics should not be used because studies have shown that they may increase the risk of complications.
Q: What complications can result from infection?
A: In some people, particularly children under five years of age, the infection can cause a complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). This is a serious disease in which red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail. Transfusions of blood or blood clotting factors as well as kidney dialysis may be necessary. A prolonged hospital stay is often required. Fortunately, most people with HUS recover completely, but it can be fatal. And this is what has us truly concerned. There is still a chance Boo could develop HUS.
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