Contents
What We Learned
Our Goals
Articles
Organizations
Personal Stories
Medical Information Websites
News/Opinion Articles
Discussion Forums
Health, Safety, Nutrition and Kids
E.Coli Infections
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Many parents believe that they take adequate precautions in protecting their young child from the potentially deadly E. Coli bacteria. We've heard that we shouldn't feed our children undercooked hamburger. But did you know that unpasteurized apple juice and other fruits and vegetables can also carry this deadly bacteria? Do you know that the symptoms of an E. Coli infection are very similar to other problems and that it is very difficult to detect and diagnose? And that it can lead to a complication that is the leading cause of kidney failure in young children?
You think such problems can never happen to you or to someone you know. Anna, a child of a good friend of ours, was recently stricken by E. Coli. This frightening episode taught us how insidious this bacteria is and how devastating it can be to a young child. As we tried to learn about what was happening to Anna, we found how much we as parents do not know about preventing and identifying E.Coli infections. We realized that there is a great need to increase awareness, so we started this area.
Our Goals
We have three specific goals for this area that will help all parents of young children. We want to -
- Reduce the risk of E.Coli infections in our own children
- Know what to do if we believe our child is infected with E.Coli
- Help prevent these problems in the future and improve the public systems that track these infections
We will continue to develop and expand this area in the coming weeks to not only help parents become better educated, but in the long run, to better protect our children. As usual, we await your comments, suggestions and feedback. Thank you for visiting.
What We Learned about E. Coli Infections
In talking with those involved in the recent outbreak and in reading the literature, we've learned that:
- While a common source of E. Coli infections is undercooked hamburger, the bacteria can survive in other products - unpasteurized dairy and apple juice products for example. Parents are not typically aware of how many different types of food products can be easily contaminated. We need to learn what everyday things we can do to reduce the risk of E. Coli infections.
- An E.Coli infection hurts young children and elderly people the most. When it leads to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), it can be fatal and is the leading cause of renal failure in young children.
- The symptoms of this infection, such as stomach cramps and diarrhea, are similar to other problems. Not all medical professionals think of E.Coli infections early on, since this infection is not common. Parents need to familiarize themselves with the symptoms and learn what questions to ask their medical professionals.
- Symptoms can manifest themselves from around 1 to 9 days after ingestion of contaminated food. So you may have no idea what caused the infection, or if you do, any food samples required for testing may be long gone.
- It is very difficult to accurately diagnose an E.Coli infection. However, it can quickly turn into HUS. So, what seems to be "just a sick child", can become a major medical emergency requiring blood transfusions and dialysis. Medical professionals may not be familiar with the diagnosis or treatments.
- Governmental tracking of these infection is required to accurately pinpoint the source of contamination. But the medical, governmental and testing systems are not presently adequate to track these infections in a timely manner to quickly help those who are infected.
This is just a sample of the key points you'll find in the following articles, stories and websites. We suggest that you read them, familiarize yourself with the prevention methods, the symptoms and treatments.
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Articles
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Organizations
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Personal Stories
- Anna's Story
3 year old Anna was stricken with an E. Coli infection in mid October of this year. Here, her mother, Laurie tells about this harrowing experience, and what the family learned as the infection led to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is a potentially deadly complication that is the leading cause of kidney failure in young children. It is believed that Anna contracted the infection from drinking a popular brand of unpasteurized apple juice. When you read this story, you'll realize how easily it could have been your child.
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Medical Information Websites
- Communicable Disease Fact Sheets -E. coli 0157:H7 Infection
This is a very good one page summary from the New York State Department of Health. Not only does it cover the key points, it outlines specific preventative measures that parents should take.
- E. coli O157:H7
This is the U S Food & Drug Administration Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins 1992 report on E. coli O157:H7. It covers foods associated with infections, symptoms, and more.
- Lois Joy Galler Foundation for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Founded by Robert and Laurie Galler, in memory of their daughter, Lois Joy, the Lois
Joy Galler Foundation was established to acquire the funds needed to enable doctors and
scientists to conduct research and develop methods of preventing or curing Hemolytic Uremic
Syndrome (HUS), raise public awareness, and provide a supportive community for the families
of affected children. This site contains a good description of E. Coli infections, HUS, its symptoms and treatments.
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
An overview of HUS from the Medical Instructional Resources of the University of Calgary.
- Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
This is a good overview of HUS, its causes, symptoms, treatments and complications. Contains technical information, but is understandable by the lay person. Describes how the E. Coli bacteria can lead to HUS.
- E.Coli Epidemic in Japan, 1996
Detailed information about the mass E. Coli food poisoning in Japan during the summer of 1996 that affected more than 5,000 people. This information has been provided by the Osaka City University Medical School. This report provides detailed medical information about the disease and epidemic in Japan.
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News/Opinion Articles
- FDA Warning Labels Only Impact Unpasteurized Apple Juices *** NEW ***
Consumers should be aware that only a small share of the nation's apple juice is affected by a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) request to label some products with health warnings. The FDA has asked manufacturers of unpasteurized juices and cider to warn consumers that the drinks could contain bacteria dangerous to children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems.
- E. Coli 0157:H7 Outbreak Associated With Odwalla Brand Apple Juice Products
This press release from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services outlines the voluntary recall of juice products that have been suspected to be the cause of an E.Coli infection in the western United States.
- Apple Juice Poisoning: The Panic That Wasn't
From the editorial section of the San Jose Mercury News, this article describes public reaction to the apple juice recall. Amid a growing skepticism about food scares, people now worry more about chemicals in our foods than about the dangers presented by Mother Nature's bacteria.
- Response to: Apple Juice Poisoning: The Panic That Wasn't
Written by a parent whose child was hospitalized with an E. Coli infection, this letter, submitted to the San Jose Mercury News, outlines the dangers, the misconceptions, and the issues surrounding E. Coli infections. It summarize what one family learned by they watched their daughter fight HUS.
Medical Disclaimer
The information here does not replace or substitute for the advice of your medical professional(s). It is provided as an informational service only. Please discuss any facts, issues, problems or symptoms with your medical professional immediately. Disclaimer
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