STEC HUS happens in a few children after they get gastroenteritis (stomach infection). Most children recover from gastroenteritis without any problems but around 1 in 10 children will develop STEC HUS.
This is usually caused by infection of a particular type of the E.coli bacteria that is found in animals. Infection may come from:
- eating undercooked meat
- fruit and vegetables that haven't been washed properly
- drinking contaminated water
- not washing your hands properly after touching infected animals or areas that they were in, such as farms, petting zoos or campsites
- being close to other people with the illness
- swimming or playing in infected water
STEC HUS does not have a genetic cause so it cannot be inherited from a parent.
However, the bacteria that causes STEC HUS is infectious and can be passed from person to person. Your doctor may ask you to keep your child home from school or nursery to avoid passing the infection on to other children.
Infection can easily spread to other members of the same household. It is therefore very important to follow good hygiene practices including:
- high temperature washing of clothes, bedding and towels (60˚C or higher)
- washing hands with soap and water (not gel or wipes) before eating and after going to the toilet
- not sharing plates or glasses with someone who is infected
- avoiding contact with farm animals
It is not yet fully understood why some children develop STEC HUS after infection. Age appears to be a factor, as STEC HUS is more likely to develop in children under the age of five.
When STEC HUS does develop, the E.coli bacteria produces a poison called Shiga toxin which damages the cells of the blood vessels in the kidneys. This affects how well your child’s kidneys can clean their blood, which can make them feel unwell.