Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

General Information

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a serious disease that affects the kidneys and blood clotting system.

It is a rare disease but is more common in children, especially those less than five years of age, than in adults.

Around 5–10% of those who are diagnosed with E. coli (STEC) infection develop HUS. Clues that a person is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids.

People with HUS should be hospitalized because their kidneys may stop working and they may develop other serious problems. Most people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent damage or die.

• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome fact sheet, P-42061
• Shiga toxin-producing E. coli
• Frequently asked questions about E. coli (STEC) – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Information for Providers

This is a Wisconsin disease surveillance category II disease:

• Report to the patient's local public health department electronically, through the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease case report, F-44151 (Word) or by other means within 72 hours upon recognition of a case.
• Information on communicable disease reporting

Wisconsin case reporting and public health follow-up guidelines:

Case Reporting and Investigation Protocol (EpiNet): P-01934 Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) (PDF)