A three-year-old girl has died in hospital after contracting a rare infection linked to an unnamed petting farm in Melbourne. The child was one of two toddlers hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) following birthday parties at the farm.
The girl suffered severe kidney and brain damage and spent six weeks in intensive care at Monash Children's Hospital before her death. Her parents described her as a "courageous and a fighter" in an online fundraiser.
The second child, a two-year-old boy, has since made a full recovery after undergoing 17 days of dialysis and receiving two blood transfusions. His mother noted that he became extremely unwell following a visit to the petting farm in May, initially mistaking his symptoms for a gastrointestinal bug.
The boy's mother has called for petting farms to provide clearer information regarding hand hygiene and potential infection risks. The petting farm in question has not been accused of any wrongdoing but has been advised by Victoria's Department of Health to implement additional handwashing stations and display warnings about infection risks.
Health experts state that the bacteria responsible for STEC infections are commonly found on farms. This incident occurs amidst a surge in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections across Victoria, with over 160 cases recorded this year. STEC infections can trigger HUS, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure, particularly in young children and immunocompromised individuals.
Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr. Clare Looker confirmed that the Department of Health investigates all reported HUS cases to identify sources and prevent further occurrences. She also noted that the recent increase in STEC/VTEC notifications is partly due to improved testing and reporting practices.