October 22nd 2024.
A recent outbreak of E. coli has been traced back to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers in 10 states, according to an announcement made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday. Tragically, one person in Colorado has died from the illness and at least 26 others have fallen ill in the state alone. Across the country, a total of 49 people have been affected, with 10 requiring hospitalization and one child suffering from severe kidney complications.
All of the individuals who became sick reported eating at McDonald's, with most of them specifically mentioning consuming Quarter Pounders, according to the federal health agency. While the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment did not disclose the identity of the deceased, they did confirm that the person was older and had underlying health conditions.
At this time, it is unclear exactly which McDonald's locations in Colorado may have served the contaminated food. People over 65 and children under 5 are particularly vulnerable to the symptoms of E. coli, which include vomiting, severe stomach cramps, and diarrhea (often with blood). While most people are able to recover without medical intervention, some may experience severe dehydration or damage to their kidneys.
The outbreak has not been limited to Colorado, with reports of illnesses also coming from Oregon, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin between September 27 and October 11. Colorado currently has the highest number of cases, with 26, followed by Nebraska with nine. However, the CDC suspects that the actual number of people affected may be much higher, as many may recover without seeking medical attention or being tested for E. coli.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has stated that the FDA believes the source of the outbreak may be "fresh-slivered onions" used in Quarter Pounders, rather than any other menu items at McDonald's. However, the USDA is still investigating the possibility that beef patties could also be to blame.
In response to the outbreak, McDonald's has temporarily removed Quarter Pounders from their menus in the affected states and parts of New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Idaho. They have also discontinued using onions from the implicated supplier and are working closely with the CDC to ensure that all menu items are safe for consumption. Cesar Piña, the company's chief supply chain officer for North America, has reassured customers that all other beef products are unaffected and still available.
E. coli O157:H7, the specific strain involved in this outbreak, is responsible for approximately 74,000 infections and 61 deaths each year in the United States. Children under five are particularly at risk and may experience acute kidney failure as a result of the infection. If you believe you may have been exposed to E. coli or another foodborne illness, it is important to seek medical attention and take precautions to prevent the spread of the infection to others.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has advised anyone who recently ate at McDonald's and is experiencing symptoms of E. coli to contact their doctor and local public health department. Symptoms typically appear within three to four days of consuming contaminated food, but may take up to 10 days to manifest. The Associated Press has contributed to this report.
To stay informed about health news, sign up for our weekly newsletter and have updates delivered directly to your inbox. This story was last updated on October 22, 2024 at 5:20 p.m. to correct the number of people affected in Colorado, which was initially reported incorrectly by federal officials.
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