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McDonald’s has an outbreak of E. Coli: here are the signs of an infection

Umito October 25, 2024

An E.Coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has sickened at least 49 people in 10 states and been linked to one death, federal officials said.

McDonald’s supplier Taylor Farms recalled yellow onions produced at its Colorado plant, out of what it said was an “out of an abundance of caution” linked to the outbreak. The California-based food supplier is under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration as a “probable source of contamination.” CNBC reported.

Several other fast food restaurants, including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC and Burger King have removed onions from some menus.

Colorado (26) and Nebraska (9) reported the most cases, but cases were also reported in Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin. The death was that of an “elderly” person in Colorado, according to the CDC, and a child was hospitalized for complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can result from E.coli infection.

All patients reported eating at McDonald’s before the onset of their illness and specifically mentioned eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger, the CDC said.

There are likely more cases than have been reported, the CDC advised, and people have been asked to seek medical attention if they have symptoms of E.coli.

What are the symptoms of an E. coli infection?

Most E. coli are harmless and part of a healthy intestinal tract that can help digest food, store vitamins, and protect against other germs. But some E. coli can make people sick, which happens after people ingest contaminated food or water or come into contact with feces from infected animals or people.

Most people infected with E. coli, which produces Shiga toxin, suffer severe stomach cramps, often bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Many patients also have a low-grade fever. One of the dangers of E. coli infection is the risk of dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include lack of urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness.

Symptoms usually appear three to four days after ingesting the bacteria, and most people recover on their own within a week. However, some people, especially young or elderly people or those with other health problems, may need to be hospitalized.