Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome | Prevention

How can I prevent HUS?

To lower your risk of being infected with E. coli, follow these rules:

• Wash your hands carefully with soap before you start cooking.
• Cook ground beef until you see no pink anywhere.
• Don't taste small bites of raw ground beef while you're cooking.
• Don't put cooked hamburgers on a plate that had raw ground beef on it.
• Cook all hamburgers to at least 155°F. A meat thermometer can help you test your hamburgers.
• In restaurants, always order hamburgers and steaks that are cooked well done so that no pink shows.
• Defrost meats in the refrigerator or the microwave. Don't put meat on the counter at room temperature to defrost.
• Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods. Use hot water and soap to wash cutting boards and dishes after raw meat and poultry have touched them.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water.
• Drink only clean water.
• Don't drink raw milk.
• Keep food refrigerated or frozen.
• Keep hot food hot and cold food cold.
• Refrigerate leftovers right away or throw them away.
• People who have diarrhea should wash their hands carefully and often, using hot water and soap, and washing for at least 30 seconds.
• People who work in day care centers and homes for the elderly should wash their hands often, too.
• Do not swim in dirty lakes or rivers.
• Wash your hands well after petting farm animals.