Prevention of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Since HUS in over 90% of children is due to the STEC serotype O157 H7, it is vital to investigate the source of this microbial infection. The O157 H7 strain is found in the intestinal tract of 1% of healthy cattle - it may contaminate the flesh during slaughter and meat processing. It is transmitted to children through undercooked beef, as well as by unhygienic hand-to-hand transfer by people involved in food preparation and serving.

Some foods which may spread STEC include:

Unpasteurized juices or milk
Undercooked venison, beef, or sausages made from beef
Non-chlorinated water
Lake water contaminated with feces
Certain raw vegetables such as leaf lettuce, alfalfa sprouts and radish sprouts
Farm animals (through hand contact)

Thus primary prevention of HUS requires public health recommendations and practices such as:

Attentiveness of patients and care providers to avoid transmitting infection during cooking of raw beef
Diaper changes only performed in a hygienic environment
Thorough cooking of all meat and milk, or products derived from these
Encouraging cattle vaccination to avoid contamination of feces and cattle hide with HUS-causing strains of STEC.