A two-year-old boy named Hayden from Grants Pass, Oregon is currently hospitalized with a severe E. Coli infection that has progressed to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), causing acute kidney failure, according to kdrv.com.
Although rare, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a serious condition that can occur as a complication of an E. coli infection. HUS primarily affects the kidneys and blood clotting functions in a human body. It arises when small blood vessels become damaged and inflamed, leading to the formation of clots throughout the body. These clots can wreak havoc on vital organs, like the kidneys, leading to life-threatening kidney failure.
Those with compromised immune systems and children under the age of five are especially susceptible to HUS, making this a very dangerous illness for Hayden.
Although he initially presented with severe diarrhea and vomiting, a pediatrician initially diagnosed Hayden’s symptoms as a common virus. Soon after, his condition dramatically deteriorated.
“He started vomiting up blood. So I called 911 and they rushed him to the ER where they found out his kidneys were failing,” said his mother, Lara Lehman.
The situation became more dire as severe weather delayed Hayden’s airlift to a hospital in Portland. The family had to wait nearly six hours before he could be transported to the facility. He was immediately put on dialysis to help with kidney function.
Hayden is expected to continue with several more weeks of dialysis as he works towards recovery at the Portland pediatric ICU.
However, as Hayden recovers from his medical challenges, the family is facing financial challenges of their own. His mother wrote on social media that Hayden’s father is out of work and asked for donations from the community.
Interestingly, the source of the infection was not foodborne but instead came from the ground, where it often enters from a variety of sources like contaminated water and animal feces.
Commenting on this article, one national E. coli lawyer said, “Fortunately, it appears that young Hayden is in good hands and on the road to recovery. This incident shows the importance of acting quickly and access to the appropriate medical care when it comes to dangerous infections in children.”
