Shiga-toxin producing E. coli associated with Royal Adelaide Show

16 September 2011

SA Health has issued a public health alert after being notified of two cases of Shiga- E.coli (STEC) infection, and one case of Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS), in children who attended the recent Royal Adelaide Show.

STEC is a toxin-producing bacterium that can cause diarrhea and abdominal cramping, and a small percentage of STEC patients develop HUS, which can cause kidney disease and neurological damage 

Professor Paddy Phillips said the child with HUS is receiving hospital treatment and is in a serious but stable condition. Laboratory testing for STEC is underway.

“Children and the elderly are especially susceptible to STEC,” Professor Phillips said.

“Symptoms of STEC infection include simple or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps but little or no fever or vomiting.

“Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice from their GP.

“An alert has been issued to all GPs to be aware of the cases and to arrange for appropriate testing for all patients presenting with possible STEC infection.

 “The STEC bacterium is commonly found in animal faeces. Common sources of STEC infections include eating raw or undercooked meat or fermented meat products; contact with farm animals; and eating vegetables contaminated with animal faeces.

Two of the three children, who were all aged between 4 and 12, are understood to have had contact with animals at the Animal Nursery at the Royal Adelaide Show. 

“Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of preventing STEC after contact with animals,”Professor Phillips said.

“Proper refrigeration of food, especially meat, and cooking until the juices run clear are fundamental to preventing food related STEC infection.” 

The incubation period for STEC infection usually ranges from 3 to 8 days but may be longer. 

There have been 19 reported cases of STEC in South Australia so far in 2011, compared to a total of 32 cases in 2010.