What are the symptoms of E. coli 0157 infection?
• People infected with E. coli 0157 can develop a range of symptoms. • Some infected people may have mild diarrhoea or no symptoms at all. • Most identified cases develop severe diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. • Blood is often seen in the stools. • Usually little or no fever is present. • In a small proportion of people, particularly children under 5 years and the elderly the infection can cause a potentially serious complication called haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which affects the action of the kidneys. • In such cases, blood transfusions and kidney dialysis may be necessary. • Most people with HUS recover completely.
