The Daily Journal has given an update on Emilie Allen of Bonne Terre, the 2-year-old girl who was severely sickened from E. coli in September. Emilie is still suffering from complications of the infection but was able to come home on Nov. 2 from Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St. Louis after a month and a half stay.
Emilie suffered kidney failure soon after contracting E. coli 0157:H7 and was forced to go on dialysis. Emilie’s kidney though, started functioning once again and the 2-year-old girl was able to come off dialysis on Oct. 19. At one point Emilie was also placed on a ventilator, but it was removed on Oct. 8.
Emilie’s mother says her little girl is doing OK. Her blood pressure is still very high. She is not producing red blood cells like she should. They had to take her back up to Cardinal Glennon Hospital on Sunday so she could get a shot that will help her produce the red blood cells. She is receiving the shots every two weeks. The doctors thought by now she would be able to produce the red blood cells on her own. She goes back up to Cardinal Glennon on Dec. 9, so hopefully they will know more then.
The St. Francois County Health Department conducted routine inspections at two local restaurants on Oct. 4 in an attempt to identify where the strain of E. coli originated that infected the 2-year-old girl. Officials said no direct links were made to the origin of the strain of E. coli 0157:H7.
In addition to inspecting the food establishments, a water sample out of the private well at the residence of the Allens was also tested. The water sample also came back negative.
A benefit account for Emilie is still open at First State Community Bank locations.