One person dead and 49 sick after E.Coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s burger – US News

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that one person has died and there have been another 49 confirmed cases of E.coli, believed to be linked to a popular McDonald’s menu item.

Between September 27 and October 11, 10 US states reported that people tested positive for E.coli.

So far, a total of 49 people have been reported to have contracted the bacterial infection, of which 10 people have been taken to hospital and one person has died.

States and people affected

States so far affected by E.coli cases linked to McDonald’s include: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

27 of the 49 cases are reported to be in Colorado, including the only person who has died and a child who has serious kidney complications.

The ages of all those affected range from 13 to 88 years.

The outbreak has been linked to McDonald’s (Getty Stock Images/Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

What is E.coli and how do you get it?

The Cleveland Clinic states, “E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your intestines (gastrointestinal tract), urinary tract, and other parts of your body. Most of the time, it can live in your intestines without hurting you.

“But some strains can make you sick with watery diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is most likely to cause serious illness.”

You can contract the infection by eating ‘contaminated food’, with the clinic noting that this ‘also includes undercooked meat and raw fruits and vegetables that have not been washed well enough’.

And the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has since linked the outbreak to an item on McDonald’s menu – the Quarter Pounder burger – after all reported cases confirmed eating at the fast-food chain, with many reporting they had the burger before being beaten. due to the infection.

It is currently unconfirmed which specific ingredient in the product may be responsible for causing the E.coli outbreak, but McDonald’s has taken precautions during the investigation.

E.coli outbreak has hit 10 states (Getty Stock Images)

The research

The fast-food chain confirmed in a statement that it has stopped using “split onions,” which “come from a single supplier serving three distribution centers,” ceasing “distribution of all sliced ​​onions in the affected area” and Quarter Pounder is removed from the affected area. restaurants in affected areas “out of an abundance of caution.”

According to a press release from the CDC, McDonald’s would work with the organization to confirm the contaminated ingredient – an investigation that was officially launched yesterday (October 22).

Officials are concerned that the number of cases could increase significantly as it can take weeks for cases to be reported.

Quarter Pounders have been withdrawn from affected states (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Symptoms

CDC explains that symptoms typically begin three to four days after coming into contact with the bacteria and that it typically takes five to seven days for people to recover “without treatment.”

However, CDC also urges the public to call their healthcare provider if you have recently eaten a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Fever greater than 102°F
• Diarrhea – lasts more than three days and does not improve or contains blood
• Vomiting – especially if you can’t keep the fluids down
• Signs of dehydration – not urinating often, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when you get up

E. coli can lead to ‘severe kidney problems’ in more severe cases.

There are certain symptoms to look out for (Getty Stock Images)

McDonald’s statement

McDonald’s said in a statement quoted by NBC Chicago: “Across the McDonald’s system, serving customers safely in every restaurant, every day is our top priority and something we will never compromise on. That’s why we are taking swift and decisive action after an E. Coli outbreak in certain states.

“We take food safety very seriously and it is the right thing to do. Affected restaurants will receive a stock recovery notice today and should contact their supply chain manager or distribution center with any questions.

“We are working closely with our suppliers to replenish inventory for the Quarter Pounder over the coming weeks (timing will vary by local market). In the meantime, all other menu items, including other beef items (including the Cheeseburger, Hamburger , Big Mac, McDouble and the Double Cheeseburger) are unaffected and available.

“We will continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and strive to provide timely updates as we restore our full menu.”

UNILAD has contacted the CDC and McDonald’s for further comment.