Maple Lake, Minnesota Girl Dies Of E. Coli Bacteria Infection

WRIGHT COUNTY, MN — A Maple Lake, Minnesota family is dealing with heartbreak after a young girl died after she was infected by a severe strain of E. coli bacteria. Kallan Maresh passed away after she and her older brother Kade, suffering from diarrhea and vomiting, were rushed by ambulance to the University of Minnesota’s Masonic Children’s Hospital Wednesday.

The toxin from the bacteria fatally damaged Kallan's kidneys and neurological system, according to the family's CaringBridge page. Kade is still fighting the toxins, which have not reached his neurological system but both his kidneys.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is investigating where the E. coli exposure occurred, WCCO reported.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) may also be referred to as verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) or enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). STEC strains can cause serious illness in humans by producing toxins that can severely damage the lining of your intestines and kidneys, MDH states. Infection with STEC strains can lead to serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which sometimes is fatal.

Prevention

Consumers can prevent E. coli by:

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• washing hands carefully
• keeping your food preparation areas clean
• avoiding unpasteurized beverages
• serve irradiated hamburger
• cooking and serving your food at the appropriate temperatures
• being careful when dealing with animals
• keep ill children home from daycare and preschool
• using caution when swimming

Be especially cautious if you have a children or compromised immune system

• Children under five years of age, immunocompromised persons, and the elderly should avoid eating alfalfa sprouts, according to the MDH.

Learn more about prevention on the MDH website.

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