EEIP RIDRM Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a potentially life-threatening complication of infection with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). HUS is a type of kidney failure, and anyone with HUS should be hospitalized. Although most people with HUS recover within a few weeks, there is a potential for permanent health issues or death. Of people diagnosed with STEC, approximately 5-10% will develop HUS.
About Hemolytic uremic syndrome
Actions Required and Control Measures
Reporting Requirements - Category 2
HUS is physician reportable by mail within 12 hours of recognition or strong suspicion to both the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the local health department (LHD). To assure you have the most up-to-date information concerning reportable diseases, please visit the Reporting of Diseases, Emergency Illnesses, Health Conditions, and Laboratory Findings page.
Case Investigation
LHD Responsibility: If the person is in a high-risk setting, the LHD will work with DPH to implement control measures.
DPH Responsibility: The DPH, through FoodNet/FoodCORE, will interview all cases. Interviews include food and travel histories in an attempt to identify a source of infection and to identify individuals in high-risk occupations or settings (food handler, health care worker with direct patient contact, day care setting). The DPH will notify the LHD if a person is in a high-risk setting.
DPH is available to the LHD for assistance, consultation and guidance, and to ensure that appropriate investigative and control actions are being taken.
Control Measures
Food Handler: Refer to DPH Food Protection Program at 860-509-7297.
Health Care Worker with Direct Patient Contact: Individuals should be restricted from direct patient care until diarrhea ceases and two consecutive negative stool cultures spaced at least 24 hours apart are obtained. If person was treated with antibiotics, cultures should be collected at least 48 hours after last dose.
Day Care Setting: Children and/or staff should be excluded from day care until diarrhea ceases and two consecutive negative stool cultures spaced at least 24 hours apart are obtained. If the person was treated with antibiotics, cultures should be collected at least 48 hours after last dose. Any other daycare attendees and/or staff with diarrhea should be identified and cultured.Improved sanitation and personal hygiene should be emphasized in day care settings. Proper hand hygiene by staff and children should be stressed, especially after using the toilet or handling soiled diapers.
Household Contacts: Household contacts with diarrhea should be excluded from food handling and care of children and/or patients until diarrhea ceases and two (2) consecutive negative stool cultures taken at least 24 hours apart are obtained. Asymptomatic household contacts involved in food handling or care of children and/or patients should have at least one stool specimen cultured. Stress good hand washing technique. Asymptomatic household contacts should not be restricted from work pending culture results.
This page last updated 9/16/2019.