E. coli is a bacteria that is normally found in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless or beneficial, certain strains can cause Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a severe type of kidney failure that is often associated with food poisoning outbreaks.
Need a Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured by E. coli in a food poisoning outbreak, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
What is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a type of kidney failure that occurs when damaged red blood cells start to clog the filtering system in the kidneys. HUS can occur in people of any age, but it is most common in young children under 5 who experience prolonged, bloody diarrhea — often due to food poisoning from certain strains of Escherichia coli. About 5-10% of cases of HUS are fatal.
HUS and E. Coli O157:H7
The most common cause of HUS is E. coli, usually the O157:H7 strain, which produces Shiga toxin. Infection with this strain progresses to HUS in about 2-7% of cases. However, many other strains can cause HUS or severe food poisoning. Infection typically causes severe, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
How Does It Spread?
E. coli spreads when people ingest feces contaminated with the bacteria. It is frequently found in meat that is contaminated with cattle manure during the slaughtering process — especially ground beef, which can contain meat from hundreds of cows. Outbreaks are also commonly linked to unpasteurized juice or raw, fresh produce that has been sprayed with contaminated water or come in contact with manure fertilizer.
Symptoms
People who experience symptoms of HUS should seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Pale skin tone
- Fatigue and irritability
- Small, unexplained bruises
- Bleeding from the nose and mouth
- Blood in the urine
- Swelling of the face, hands, feet, or whole body
- Decreased urination
- Confusion
Additional Information & Resources
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome — National Institute of Health (NIH)
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: An Emerging Health Risk — American Family Physician
Need a Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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