Infection may lead to a wide variety of symptoms. Most symptoms start three to four days after exposure to the bacterium. Some people are asymptomatic, whereas others display all of the symptoms listed below. Fever is usually rare, but more common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea (usually bloody)
- Abdominal cramps
A rare complication that can occur with STEC infection is called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is a kidney disease which can lead to kidney failure and death. This complication is most common in younger children. About 15 percent of children infected with E. coli O157:H7 will develop HUS.