My Food Advocate From the Desk of Richard J. Arsenault

  • Louisiana Foodborne Illness Lawyers / Arkansas Food Poisoning Attorneys, Mississippi, Texas

    Food Poisoning

    The foodborne illness lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks.

  • TX Food Poisoning Outbreak Lawyers / Mississippi E. coli Attorneys, Foodborne Illness, LA, AR

    E.coli

    E. coli O157:H7 causes severe bloody diarrhea and painful abdominal cramps. In about 5% of cases, a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can occur after the initial symptoms.

  • LA Food Poisoning Lawyers / Texas Salmonella Attorneys, Food Illness Outbreak, Arkansas, MS

    Salmonella

    A 2009 Consumer Reports investigation revealed that 67% of broiler chickens had tested positive for Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

What is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)?

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a potentially life threatening condition that affects the blood’s ability to properly clot, which can result in organ failure, typically the kidneys.

What foodborne pathogens cause Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)?

The majority of cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) in the U.S. are related to an infection of E. coli O157:H7, but there are other pathogens and toxins that can cause Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Other STEC, such as E. coli O111 and E. coli O124, have been linked to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) as well as bacteria from the Shigella family. In fact, there are instances of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) being caused by other foodborne illness bacteria including Salmonella, Campylobacter and Yersinia.

What are the symptoms of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)?

About 80% of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) cases typically onsets after an infection of E. coli O157:H7.  The E. coli produce a toxin called “Shiga toxin” which passes through the victim’s intestinal lining and into the blood. Once in the blood stream, the toxin causes the blood cells to tear through constricted blood vessels resulting in an interruption in circulation. Symptoms of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) include:

  • Fever
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Unexplained bruising or bleeding
  • Decreased urination
  • Swelling of the hands and feet
  • Fatigue and irritability

How is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) treated?

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) cannot be treated with antibiotics and shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics, as the drugs can actually make the condition worse. Patients typically require weeks of hospitalization and must undergo intensive treatments that include dialysis, plasmapheresis and blood transfusions.

Who is at risk of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)?

The elderly and children under the age of five account for most cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) in the U.S., but even healthy individuals can contract the condition. While children are the most likely to get Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), it is adults who are more likely to suffer severe complications from the disease.

What are the long term consequences from Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)?

Most individuals can fully recover from Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) if the disease is caught in time, but for an unfortunate few, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) can prove to be a damaging and deadly condition.  Permanent kidney damage can occur requiring a lifetime of dialysis. Partial organ removal, such as the colon, is sometimes required to treat advanced cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) and individuals can suffer neurological damage from seizures related to the disease. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) proves to be fatal for about 10% of its victims.

Advocating for Food Safety

The foodborne illness lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks. The food poisoning attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have helped people harmed by contaminated foods or beverages, including clients in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and across the country.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from a foodborne illness, please contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.