There are hundreds of strains of Escherichia coli that live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most at risk are children under 5 and the elderly. Survivors of HUS may have high blood pressure and kidney problems later in life.
Symptoms can appear from three to eight days after infection, with an average of three to four days.
As long as the diarrhea and other symptoms are present. The bacteria can be present in cow's udders or in milking equipment and can be passed into raw milk. The bacteria is easily passed from person to person. Most infected people may return to work or school when their stools become formed provided that they carefully wash their hands after toilet visits. Food handlers, staff in daycare, and health care workers should obtain the approval of the state health department before returning to their routine activities.