An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers has left one person dead and 49 sick, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak primarily affected residents of Colorado and Nebraska in the United States. Shredded onions used in hamburgers are suspected to be the source of the contamination.
What is E. coli?
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Although most E. coli strains are harmless and help maintain intestinal health, some E. coli strains can cause serious food poisoning.
E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s: What’s going on?
The CDC, along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), identified onions as a “possible source” of the outbreak, and McDonald’s suspended sales of Quarter Pounders in 12 states, including Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and Utah. The fast food chain has also stopped using the onions in question, but investigations are underway to determine whether the hamburger patties themselves may have contributed to the spread of infection. This outbreak was associated with E. coli O157.
So far, 10 people have been hospitalized, including children with complications, and one Colorado resident has died. CDC research suggests the true number of people who are sick may be higher than reported because many people recover without seeking medical attention. They warned that infections were mainly occurring among customers who had eaten the burgers between late September and mid-October, and that this was a “rapidly spreading outbreak”.
E. coli: symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Severe stomach cramps diarrhea, often bloody vomiting and fever (but not always present, and when it occurs it is usually mild)
Symptoms usually appear 3 to 4 days after exposure to the bacteria, but can start as early as 1 day or as late as 10 days. Most people recover within 5 to 7 days. In severe cases, E. coli can cause a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can affect the kidneys and require hospitalization.
The CDC advises seeking medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days High fever (greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit) Bloody diarrhea Severe vomiting that cannot be kept down Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dizziness, and decreased urination
