National reporting of Shiga-like toxin (verotoxin) producing Escherichia coli infections and associated syndromes.

Infection with Shiga-like toxin (verotoxin) producing strains of Escherichia coli (SLTEC or VTEC) has the potential to cause severe and life threatening illness, including haemorrhagic colitis (HC), haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP). Such strains are found in some animals, and are transmitted to humans through ingestion of undercooked meat (especially minced beef), or other food or water contaminated with animal faeces. Swimming in faecally contaminated lakes has also resulted in cases. Secondary transmission from person to person can occur. While cases are usually sporadic in Australia, two outbreaks, resulting in one death, have been documented. Large outbreaks have occurred overseas and reports of food borne illness resulting from SLTEC strains are increasing world wide.