Prevention of HUS
Related Information: E. coli prevention, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Prevention
From research, it has been found that Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome can be
caused by mostly E. coli or sometimes by Shigella and hence prevention
of E. coli and Shigella needs to be taken of to prevent HUS.
A few simple safety measures can prevent HUS
• Proper cooking of meat. Undercooked foods especially meat at restaurants
should be returned off.
Undercooked or partially cooked meat or beef can transmit infection by
E. coli. Hence it is essential to eat only well cooked items both at home
and restaurant. There is a digital instant-read meat thermometer which
can identify the presence of bacteria. The presence of E. coli can be
detected by placing the thermometer in numerous sections of the patty,
particularly the thickest regions. It should read a minimum of 160º Fahrenheit
to indicate the good condition of meat. In case of no thermometer, make
sure that the patties are not pinkish in the middle. In case of a restaurant
providing you such an item, just return it. Ensure cleanliness in all
things like plate, spoon, etc. Do not hesitate in such things.
• Cleanliness in kitchen is essential. Clean hands using soap at least
for 15 seconds
Steps to prevent E. coli infection can be mainly done by maintenance of
cleanliness in food items since food poisoning is the root cause of HUS.
So by avoiding the spread of harmful bacteria in kitchen is a good measure.
Keep raw meat and ready-to-eat food items separately. Proper cleaning
of hands, utensils and counters is good. Clean the thermometer well after
every use.
• Proper cleaning of fruits and vegetables, milk and beverages
It is essential to only drink pasteurized milk, juice, cider, water, etc.
Vacuum-sealed and commercial juices are pasteurized ones though not indicated
on the label. Determine if the water supply to home has been well treated
with a good disinfectant. Even the swimming pools used must be treated
at times. Also eat only properly cleaned fruits and vegetables before
eating. Those likely to get HUS should avoid alfalfa sprouts. Research
to decontaminate alfalfa sprouts and seeds is still under process.
• Contact with members among the family.
The chances for the occurrence of HUS can be reduced by making sure that
persons affected with diarrhea (all those prone especially) need to wash
their hands with soap after every bowel movement. It is essential for
washing hands after changing diapers for children. People with diarrhea
must not swim in pools or share baths or prepare food for other people.
Similar to other food-borne illnesses, HUS can be prevented. Since HUS
is the result of E. coli infection, the best way to prevent it is to prevent
food poisoning by E. coli. The food industry has taken some preventive
measures. It may enable the reduction of cattle infected with E. coli
and decrease contamination during processing of meat. A lot of research
yet needs to be done to identify the best preventive measures.