Exposure to contaminated water in recreational swimming sites can also spread E.Coli. Infection is diagnosed by a special stool culture. The problem is that not a lot of labs can perform the test. Doctors have to request a culture for E. Coli and then the specimen is usually sent to a laboratory that can perform the test. In HUS, red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail.
Treatment includes transfusions of blood or blood clotting factors, as well as kidney dialysis.
Often a prolonged hospital stay is needed. While most people with HUS recover, it can be fatal. HUS is a life-threatening condition, usually treated in an intensive care unit. Blood transfusions and kidney dialysis are often required. With intensive care, the death rate for HUS is three to five per cent.