Victoria’s STEC Crisis: Two Toddlers in ICU After Petting Farm Visits, August 14

Two previously healthy toddlers in Melbourne have been hospitalised with kidney failure after contracting Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) at the same petting farm. One three-year-old has spent four weeks in intensive care with permanent brain damage and may require a kidney transplant. Victoria is on track to record its highest number of STEC infections ever, with 160 cases already this year compared to 156 for all of 2023.

What happened at the petting farm

A three-year-old and a two-year-old contracted STEC after visiting the same Melbourne petting farm. The three-year-old spent four weeks in Monash Children’s Hospital’s intensive care unit and suffered permanent brain damage. The two-year-old spent 17 days on dialysis in May after becoming severely ill, requiring two blood transfusions, and has since recovered. Both children developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a rare kidney condition caused by the bacteria.

STEC spreads through animal waste

STEC bacteria live in the gastrointestinal tract of farm animals, particularly cattle, sheep and goats, without making the animals sick. The bacteria spreads to humans through contact with contaminated faeces and can cause bloody diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms typically last five to 10 days but can be severe in young children. Health experts say the bacteria is present in most farms and there is no evidence this one acted inappropriately.

Victoria records record-breaking infection numbers

More than 160 cases of STEC have been recorded across Victoria this year, compared with 156 cases for all of 2023. If current trends continue, the state’s figures will eclipse the 235 cases recorded in 2024. Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker said an increase in notifications is linked to significantly improved testing and reporting practices over recent years. HUS, the serious kidney condition triggered by STEC, has been confirmed in two cases so far.

Health authorities tighten petting farm safety

Local health authorities have advised the affected petting farm to increase handwashing stations and display warning signs at its entrance about infection risk. Visitors are now advised not to bring dummies, toys or prams into the calf pen. The Department of Health is investigating all reported cases to identify potential sources and prevent further infections. Parents visiting petting farms are urged to ensure children wash their hands thoroughly after animal contact.

Final Thoughts

Victoria’s STEC outbreak is the state’s worst on record, with two toddlers now facing lifelong health consequences. Petting farm visitors must prioritise handwashing and supervise children closely around animals to prevent infection.

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