Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

In some persons, particularly children under 5 years of age and the elderly, a shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection can also cause a severe complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

• About 2%-7% of E. coli O157:H7 infections lead to HUS.
  
  
• With HUS Infection, the red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail.
  
  
• In the United States, HUS is the principal cause of acute kidney failure in children, and most cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome are caused by E. coli O157:H7.
  

Fact Sheet

CDC: Escherichia coli O157:H7
Fact sheet answers some common questions about E. coli O157:H7 and HUS.

Do you suspect that you have a foodborne or waterborne illness? Visit reporting suspected foodborne/waterborne illnesses.