Shiga toxin-producing Eschericia coli infection (STEC)
Fact sheet2 - Health conditions directory.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) are bacteria (germs) which are present in large numbers in the intestines of humans and animals. Most of these bacteria are not harmful. However, some types, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), produce toxins which can cause illness in humans and may lead to serious complications in the bowel and kidney.
Public health management guidelines
- Read Queensland Health guidelines for public health units3
- Read Queensland Health Illness Outbreak Management Guidelines4 (PDF, 1MB)
Notification
Pathology laboratories
Attending medical practitioners/medical superintendents (or delegates)
To notify two or more associated cases of gastroenteritis, or where gastroenteritis is diagnosed in a food handler.
Notification resources
- List of all Pathological, clinical and provisional diagnosis notifiable conditions8
- List of Public Health Unit contacts9
- Notifiable conditions report form for Queensland doctors/clinicians (PHA S70) or person in charge of a Hospital (PHA S71)10 (PDF, 77kB) - if faxing notification, follow up by phone.
Enhanced surveillance for public health units
- Case report form11 (PDF, 194kB) - used by public health units to collect detailed information for case investigations.
Resources for health professionals
- Foodborne disease in Queensland12 - information about OzFoodNet and foodborne disease in Queensland for health professionals.