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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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HUS - Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Diarrhea-related HUS can be prevented by:

cooking all meat well. A person should avoid meat prepared "rare". Cooking meat to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit is advised.

washing hands, cutting boards, knives and plates used to prepare raw meat in hot, soapy water. This should be done before these items come in contact with other food or utensils.

avoiding unpasteurized milk and fruit juice

washing hands thoroughly and disinfecting diaper-changing surfaces after changing diapers, especially if the child has diarrhea

being careful not to swallow water when swimming in lakes or ponds, especially around farmland

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

HUS sometimes causes permanent loss of kidney function, and sometimes even kidney failure. However, roughly 50 to 80% of people with this condition recover fully.

There is also a mild risk of brain damage in some cases. This may result in serious long-term problems, such as seizures, paralysis, or changes in personality or behavior.

What are the risks to others?

Most of the bacteria and viruses that cause HUS can be passed to other people. E. coli, for example, remains in the feces of infected people for a week or two after the diarrhea clears up.

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