Fact Sheets : Hamburger Disease: Prevention is Best
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What causes Hamburger Disease?
A bacterial germ called E.Coli-0157 causes of the so called "hamburger disease/infection".
This bacteria is found in the intestines of cows and contaminates ground beef.
The infection is contracted by eating undercooked ground beef which contains this
bacteria. E.coli 0157 can also infect humans if it gets into the drinking or pool
water. This infection tends to occur more during the summer months.
What are the symptoms of Hamburger Disease infection?
The usual symptoms are diarrhea with some blood in it and severe abdominal pain.
The reason that this infection can be dangerous is that in 2-7% of people (mostly
the young or very old), a complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
can occur within a week or tw0 after the initial infection. HUS is caused by a
toxin made by the bacteria called a verotoxin which causes the red blood cells
to break down, resulting in severe anemia and the need for transfusion. This toxin
also shuts down the kidneys causing kidney failure which in many cases requires
dialysis. Unfortunately, HUS has a mortality rate of close to 5%. Among the survivors
there can be a high rate of long term complications.
Is there a specific test for this infection?
Doctors cannot make this diagnosis just by the symptoms. However, A stool test
can easily confirm that a person is infected with this particular bacteria.
What is the treatment?
Unfortunately, there currently is no specific effective treatment for this infection.
Antibiotics do not help. Recently there have been some studies on a medication
given to people that have the infection which tries to absorb the toxin before
it causes damage. The studies are ongoing and so far inconclusive. Prevention
of this infection is our best defense.
How can E.Coli-0157 infection be prevented?
Make sure hamburger (ground beef) meat is always kept refrigerated just until
it gets cooked.
Hamburgers(ground beef)should always be well cooked - gray is not enough:
The temperature of the meat must reach 70º C. At this temperature any bacteria
present will be killed.
Make sure that frozen hamburgers are well cooked as they tend to need longer
cooking times.
Be careful not to put cooked burgers in the same plate as the raw(uncooked)
burgers.
Once cooked, hamburgers should be eaten immediately and not left on a plate.
Drinking water and water you swim in should be properly chlorinated and monitored.
If a child has the infection, make sure you prevent its spread by very thorough
hand washing.
Avoid un-pasteurized juices and raw milk.
Wash uncooked fresh foods thoroughly.
Clean and disinfect all cooking surfaces after use.
Always practice good personal hygiene (hand washing, etc).
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For more child health and wellness information on-line, visit http://www.drpaul.com
Pediatrician DR.PAUL Roumeliotis is certified by the American
Board of Pediatrics and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
The information provided on this fact sheet is designed to be an educational
aid only. It is not intended to replace the advice and care of your child's
physician, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
If you suspect that your child has a medical condition always consult a physician.
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