RACGP College news
GP alert regarding E. coli O104 outbreak in Europe
1 July 2011
A significant outbreak of Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O104:H4, a highly pathogenic bacterium subgroup of Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) is occurring in Europe. The O104:H4 strain causes bloody diarrhoea and percentage of cases are presenting with complications including haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a condition characterized by renal failure, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, and thrombocytopenia.
For a list of the countries involved in the outbreak in Europe and further information see the World Health Organization’s website at
www.euro.who.int/en/what-we-do/health-topics/emergencies/international-health-regulations/outbreaks-of-e.coli-o104h4-infection
Detailed Department of Health and Ageing information for health professionals is available at www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-alert-e-coli-health-prof .
It is recommended that GPs take a travel history and consider the diagnosis of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Heamolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) in patients who have travelled to countries involved in the two weeks before onset of diarrhoea. In such patients, take a stool specimen and specifically request examination for STEC infection. GPs should contact their local public health authority for more information and to report cases of STEC or HUS.
Department of Health and Ageing information for consumers is available at www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-alert-e-coli-consumer regarding the E. coli outbreak in Europe.
For further information about the outbreak in Europe see the World Health Organisation’s website at:
The RACGP will post Australian updates on this page as they become available.