Nine cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome reported in national E. coli outbreak

Nine people are being treated for hemolytic uremic syndrome after health officials linked an Escherichia coli outbreak in 19 states to tainted romaine lettuce grown in Yuma, Arizona.

As of April 25, the CDC reported 84 people have been infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. The victims range from 1 year old to 88 years old, and 42 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Of the 84 people who became ill, 67 reported eating romaine lettuce in the week before their illness started. The most recent cases have been reported in Colorado, Georgia and South Dakota. Pennsylvania reported the highest number of patients affected by the outbreak at 18, followed by 13 in California and 10 in Idaho.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) results in the destruction of blood platelets, a low red blood cell count and kidney failure due to damage to the small blood vessels of the kidneys. In most cases, HUS occurs after a severe bowel infection with certain toxic strains of E. coli, and generally occurs in children. A loss of color in the skin is the most striking symptom.

Treatment usually includes IV fluids and nutritional supplementation by IV or tube feeding. A transfusion of blood may also be needed. In about 50% of cases, dialysis is necessary.

Most patients with HUS that require dialysis ultimately recover their kidney function, the NKF reported.

In December 2017, a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 occurred and was linked by the CDC to leafy greens. Twenty-five people infected with the outbreak strain were reported from 15 states. Two people developed HUS; one death was reported in California. – by Mark Neumann

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