Take Kids' Stomach Aches Seriously: Iowa Girl Dies Of E. Coli

ALTOONA, IA — A second-grader in Iowa died unexpectedly from complications of E. coli, officials at her school said. It’s unclear how the girl, Natalie Baker, contracted the bacteria, which can be transmitted through food or contaminated water.

Natalie attended school at the Southeast Polk Community School District’s Willowbrook Elementary School. This district said in a news release that it would be providing counseling services to students and staff in need in support.

“Our hearts go out to Natalie’s family, friends and all those affected by her loss,” the district said in a statement.

Natalie’s symptoms began with a stomach ache, according to KCCI-TV. Her mother told the news station parents should take their children’s stomach aches seriously.

Symptoms of E. coli infection vary by person, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some people may have a low fever (101 degrees), and most will get better within five to seven days.

Some infections are mild, but others, like Natalie’s, are severe and life-thReatening.

The CDC said most people who get a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection begin feeling sick three or four days after eating or drinking something that contains the bacteria, but illnesses can start anywhere from a day to 10 days after exposure.

Grace Williamson, a friend of Natalie’s mother, established a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the family’s expenses.

“I can't imagine how they feel, but I also can't imagine trying to still care for other children and work when you just lost your one and only biological baby,” Williamson wrote. “I know Rayown will do it. I know she will continue to be an amazing strong woman for her husband’s children, who she took on as her own and saved them from an unstable home, she knew they deserved better and was determined to save them.”

Earlier this year, five Americans died and more than 200 were sickened after eating E. coli-tainted romaine lettuce. The CDC declared the E. coli outbreak was over in late June.

Photo via GoFundMe, a Patch promotional partner