Shiga toxin-producing Eschericia coli infection (STEC)
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Fact sheet - 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 units
- Read Queensland Health Illness Outbreak Management Guidelines (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 conditions
- List of Public Health Unit contacts
- Notifiable conditions report form for Queensland doctors/clinicians (PHA S70) or person in charge of a Hospital (PHA S71) (PDF, 77kB) - if faxing notification, follow up by phone.
Enhanced surveillance for public health units
- Case report form (PDF, 194kB) - used by public health units to collect detailed information
for case investigations.
Resources for health professionals
- Foodborne disease in Queensland - information about OzFoodNet and foodborne disease in Queensland for health professionals.
Epidemiological data and reports
Last updated: 5 June 2023
