Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Escherichia coli (E. coli) are common bacteria normally found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless, but some can cause serious illness.

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, one of the most important harmful types is shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).

What Is Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC)?

Some strains of E. coli produce powerful poisons called shiga toxins. These strains are known as:

  • STEC – Shiga toxin-producing E. coli
  • VTEC – Verotoxin-producing E. coli
  • EHEC – Enterohemorrhagic E. coli

These terms all refer to similar groups of E. coli that can cause serious gastrointestinal illness.

In West Michigan, STEC infections are a public health concern because they can spread through:

  • Contaminated food (especially undercooked beef and raw produce)
  • Contaminated water (including lakes and rivers)
  • Direct contact with infected animals or people

Symptoms of STEC Infection

STEC usually causes gastroenteritis (gastro), an infection of the stomach and intestines.

Common symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea, which may become bloody
  • Abdominal cramps and pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Mild fever
  • Feeling generally unwell and tired

When Do Symptoms Start?

  • Symptoms usually appear 2 to 8 days after swallowing the bacteria
  • Most people are sick for 5 to 10 days

Who Is at Higher Risk for Severe Illness?

In Grand Rapids, STEC infections can be especially serious for:

  • Young children, especially under 5 years old
  • Older adults
  • People with weakened immune systems (for example, from chronic illness, cancer treatment, or certain medications)

In some young children, STEC infection can lead to a dangerous condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure and requires urgent hospital care. Children with symptoms such as decreased urination, extreme tiredness, or very pale skin should be evaluated immediately at an emergency department such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

How Do You Get STEC?

STEC are commonly found in the intestines of cattle, but they can also be carried by other animals and humans.

People in the Grand Rapids area can become infected by:

  • Eating undercooked beef, especially ground or minced beef (e.g., burgers that are pink inside)
  • Drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk or products made from it
  • Eating contaminated raw fruits and vegetables, such as:
    • Lettuce
    • Spinach
    • Sprouts
    • Salami and other undercooked or unpasteurized meat products
    • Unpasteurized fruit juices or cider
  • Drinking untreated water from lakes, rivers, or streams (for example, while camping or hiking in West Michigan)
  • Swimming or playing in contaminated water (such as local lakes or splash areas) and accidentally swallowing water
  • Close contact with a person who has the bacteria in their stool (for example, in childcare settings or at home)
  • Contact with farm animals, especially in petting zoos, county fairs, or farms in Kent County and surrounding rural areas

Because Michigan has many lakes, rivers, and agricultural areas, there are multiple opportunities for STEC exposure, especially during warmer months when outdoor activities and local produce consumption increase.

STEC in Grand Rapids: Local Public Health Context

In Grand Rapids, STEC infections are monitored by:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
  • Local hospitals and clinics, including Corewell Health (Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health networks

If your test is positive for STEC, your healthcare provider is required to notify public health authorities in Michigan. This helps track outbreaks, identify contaminated food or water sources, and protect the community.

How Is STEC Diagnosed?

To find out if you have a STEC infection, your doctor will:

  1. Ask about your symptoms, recent foods you’ve eaten, and any travel, farm, or lake exposure.
  2. Request a stool (feces/poop) sample for laboratory testing.

If the test shows you have STEC, your doctor will:

  • Provide advice on hydration and symptom management
  • Discuss whether you need hospital care, especially if you are at higher risk
  • Give you guidance on preventing spread to family, coworkers, and the community

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and develop bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms lasting more than a few days, you should contact:

  • Your primary care provider
  • An urgent care clinic (many are operated by Spectrum Health/Corewell, Trinity Health, Metro Health, and Mercy Health)
  • An emergency department if symptoms are severe

Treatment and Management

Most people with STEC infection:

  • Recover at home with rest and fluids
  • Do not need antibiotics; in fact, antibiotics can sometimes increase the risk of complications in STEC infections
  • Should avoid anti-diarrheal medications unless advised by a healthcare provider

Always follow your doctor’s instructions. If symptoms get worse, especially in children or older adults, seek urgent medical care at a local Grand Rapids hospital.

Preventing STEC Infection in Grand Rapids

Because of Michigan’s mix of urban, rural, and recreational environments, prevention focuses on food safety, water safety, and hand hygiene.

Food Safety

  • Cook meat thoroughly
    • Cook ground or minced beef until no part is pink and juices run clear
    • Use a food thermometer when possible; burgers should reach at least 160°F (71°C)
  • Avoid cross-contamination
    • Do not use the same cutting boards, knives, tongs, or plates for raw and cooked meats unless they have been washed thoroughly with hot, soapy water
  • Do not drink unpasteurized milk
    • Choose only pasteurized milk, cheese, and dairy products
  • Be cautious with salami and other cured meats
    • Do not give undercooked or unpasteurized meat products to children
  • Wash fruits and vegetables well
    • Rinse lettuce, spinach, sprouts, and other salad ingredients under running water before eating
    • Pay special attention to produce from farmers markets and local stands in Kent County and West Michigan

Water Safety (Important in the Great Lakes Region)

  • Do not drink untreated water from:
    • Lakes, rivers, streams, or ponds—even if the water looks clean
  • When camping, hiking, or visiting cottages in Michigan:
    • Use bottled water or properly treated/boiled water
  • Avoid swallowing water when:
    • Swimming in Lake Michigan, inland lakes, rivers, or public pools
    • Playing in splash pads or water parks

Hand Hygiene and Animal Contact

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water:
    • After using the bathroom
    • After changing diapers
    • Before preparing or eating food
    • After handling raw meat
    • After touching animals or visiting farms, petting zoos, or county fairs
  • Teach children in Grand Rapids schools and childcare centers proper handwashing, especially in winter when indoor transmission of infections tends to increase.

Preventing the Spread of STEC to Others

If you or your child has a confirmed or suspected STEC infection:

  • Stay home and avoid preparing food for others while you are sick.
  • Children should stay home from:
    • School
    • Childcare
    • Preschool or kindergarten
      Until 24 hours after diarrhea has completely stopped.
  • If you are a:
    • Food handler
    • Childcare worker
    • Healthcare worker
      Do not return to work until 48 hours after diarrhea has stopped, and follow any additional instructions from your employer or local health department.
  • Clean bathrooms and high-touch surfaces regularly:
    • Use a household disinfectant on toilet seats, flush handles, faucets, and doorknobs
    • Clean any surfaces contaminated by stool or vomit immediately and thoroughly

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you think you or your child may have a STEC infection:

  • Contact your GP (primary care doctor) or local clinic
  • Call or visit:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) urgent care or primary care offices
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids clinics
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health clinics
    • Mercy Health locations
  • Reach out to:
    • Kent County Health Department for public health information and guidance
    • Grand Rapids Public Health resources

For infectious disease concerns, you may be referred to a local Infectious Diseases specialist in Grand Rapids (for example, via hospital networks or specialty clinics).

If you have severe symptoms—such as bloody diarrhea, signs of dehydration, confusion, decreased urination, or symptoms in a very young child or older adult—seek emergency care immediately.

Key Points About Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC)

  • E. coli are common bacteria found in the gut of warm-blooded animals; most are harmless.
  • Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) can cause serious gastroenteritis with bloody diarrhea.
  • Symptoms usually begin 2–8 days after exposure and can last 5–10 days.
  • STEC infections can be more severe in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, and may lead to haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) in children under 5.
  • In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, you can get STEC from:
    • Undercooked ground beef
    • Unpasteurized milk or juices
    • Contaminated fruits and vegetables
    • Untreated or contaminated water
    • Contact with infected animals or people
  • Prevention focuses on:
    • Thoroughly cooking meat
    • Avoiding unpasteurized dairy and juices
    • Washing hands, fruits, and vegetables
    • Avoiding untreated surface water
  • STEC infections are reportable in Michigan; healthcare providers notify MDHHS and local health departments like the Kent County Health Department to protect community health.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are concerned about STEC symptoms, contact your doctor or a local clinic promptly for evaluation and testing.