Boy treated for Shiga toxin

July 28, 2012

The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a confirmed case of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection involving a two-year-old boy.
 
He fell ill on July 21. He was admitted to Baptist Hospital the next day and was discharged on July 24 in stable condition.
 
He tested positive for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.
 
He had no recent travel history and his home contacts were asymptomatic.
 
E. coli is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can produce powerful toxins and cause severe food-borne disease.