A 5-year-old Sterling girl is in intensive care at Wesley Medical Center after contracting the HUS strand of the E. Coli bacteria. Aubrey Anderson began to show flu-like symptoms on Sunday and was transferred to Wesley Medical Center on Monday after her condition worsened.

Neither doctors nor her parents are certain where the bacteria may have been contracted but it could have been weeks before she showed any signs of illness.

The HUS strand of E. Coli attacks the kidneys. Doctors hope Aubrey can make a full recovery, but say it could take from 3 to 6 weeks, or even longer.

Bill and Karen Anderson, Aubrey's parents, say the show of support from surrounding communities has been overwhelming. They tell us their daughter smiled for the first time on Wednesday and it was the first day her condition improved.