Causes approximately 73,000 illnesses in U.S. each year.
The CDC reports that 20,000 cases of 0157:H7 infection may occur annually.
Found in the intestinal tract and feces of animals and humans.
Infection often causes severe, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Infection in children, the elderly, and immune-compromised individuals can lead to kidney failure and possible death.
Undercooked ground beef represents one of the greatest risks of E. coli 0157:H7 infections.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) principal cause of acute renal failure among children in the U.S. occurring in 3-7% of such infections.
Mortality of HUS 3-5%.
Most cases of diarrhea associated HUS caused by Shiga toxin producing E. coli O157:H7 (STEC).
Approximately 80% of childhood HUS associated with STEC, mainly E coli O157:H7.