What are STEC/VTEC and HUS?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium normally found in the gut and faeces of people and animals. Most are harmless but some may produce toxins which can cause disease.
A small number of people infected with Shigatoxin/Vero toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC/VTEC) may
develop a rare condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). This is a kidney disease that can also cause damage to other organs, including the pancreas and brain. Children under five years and the elderly are at greatest risk of developing this condition.

How do you get STEC/VTEC and HUS?

STEC/VTEC can be spread by:

• eating undercooked beef, in particular ground or minced beef
• drinking unpasteurised milk
• drinking contaminated water
• close contact with a person who has the bacteria in their faeces
• contact with farm animals, particularly sheep and cattle and their faeces
• eating fresh produce contaminated with animal faeces

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What are the signs and symptoms if someone is infected with STEC/VTEC?

Infection with STEC/VTEC may produce no symptoms at all but most people may experience:

• stomach cramps
• vomiting
• bloody diarrhoea
• mild fever

These symptoms begin 2 – 8 days after bacteria are ingested and generally last one week. People can be
infectious up to 3 weeks afterwards.

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What are the signs and symptoms if someone is infected with HUS?

If the person goes on to develop HUS they will then become lethargic and pass decreasing amounts of urine, resulting in swelling of the extremities. Other features of HUS are:

• high blood pressure
• kidney failure
• jaundice (yellowish discolouration of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
• epileptic seizures
• bleeding into the skin

About 5% of children that develop HUS will die, with those under five years being most at risk. Some may
require a kidney transplant.

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How do I get treated?

• Drink plenty of fluids such as plain water or oral rehydration drinks (available from pharmacies).
• Avoid anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoeal medications unless prescribed or recommended by a doctor.
• People with STEC/VTEC infection who develop HUS require urgent hospitalisation.

What do I do if I have STEC/VTEC?

• Do not go to work for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• Do not handle or prepare food for the family or household for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• Keep children home from school for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• People in hospitals, nursing homes and other residential facilities should be nursed in their own room, with a private bathroom for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• Additional precautions are required for people with STEC/VTEC who are at high risk of spreading their infection to others (e.g. food handlers, health and child care workers and those who are incontinent.
  of faeces). For more information contact the Communicable Disease Control Directorate
• Immediately remove and wash any clothes or bedding contaminated with vomit or diarrhoea using
  soap and hot water.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.

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How do I reduce the risks of getting STEC/VTEC?

• Do not drink unpasteurised milk or eat undercooked meat.
• Wash hands with soap and water after changing nappies, after handling animals, birds, pets or farm animals and before preparing or handling food or drinks. To wash your hands effectively, lather thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean single use towel (e.g. paper towel) and turn the tap off with the towel to avoid possible recontamination.
• If hand washing facilities are not available then use an alcohol-based gel.
• Keep cold food below 5°C and hot food above 60°C.
• Make sure foods are thoroughly cooked.
• Refrigerate any foods suspected of having caused the illness as they may be needed for analysis.
• Make sure you thoroughly wash fresh produce before consumption.

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Where can I find more information on STEC/VTEC?

For further information contact your GP, a doctor of your choice or Health Direct (1800 022 222).