McDonald’s, often known for its fast-food indulgence, is now in the spotlight for a far more troubling reason.
An E. Coli outbreak linked to certain menu items has alarmed many, with the number of affected individuals climbing to an astonishing 104.
While fast food chains have always faced health scrutiny, this outbreak stresses concerns about food safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified a connection between these cases and the sliced onions found in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers.
Out of the 104 people affected, serious illness has led to 34 hospitalizations. Tragically, this includes four individuals who developed life-threatening kidney issues, with one fatality reported so far.
The outbreak isn’t isolated to a single region; it spans across 14 states in the United States. As E. Coli can manifest symptoms weeks after exposure, experts anticipate more cases to emerge in the coming weeks.
Anticipated Increase in McDonald’s E. Coli Cases
The shocking E. Coli outbreak has already claimed over a hundred victims, primarily through the popular Quarter Pounder burger. With its popularity, selling millions daily, the CDC foresees a probable rise in the number of infected individuals as the situation unfolds.
The CDC has acknowledged that the current number reported might be just the tip of the iceberg, expecting a clearer picture over the next month.
The sourcing of the sliced onions used in the Quarter Pounder burger has been traced back to Taylor Farms, based in California. Responding to the outbreak, McDonald’s has temporarily halted the sale of this burger in several locations or is offering it sans onions.
Whether this measure suffices remains a concern for consumers. The CDC has not conclusively identified the onions as the root cause, but suspicions remain high.
What states are impacted by the E. coli outbreak?
As of Nov. 13, 14 states reported illnesses linked to the E. coli outbreak, according to the CDC.
- Colorado (30)
- Iowa (1)
- Kansas (3)
- Michigan (2)
- Missouri (8)
- Montana (19)
- Nebraska (13)
- New Mexico (10)
- North Carolina (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Utah (8)
- Washington (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
- Wyoming (6)
E. coli poisoning symptoms
Most Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria reside harmlessly in the intestines of people and animals. But some can cause mild to life-threatening gastrointestinal illnesses if consumed, the CDC says.
According to the USDA, symptoms of E. coli poisoning appear two to eight days after exposure and usually last about a week. These can include:
- Dehydration
- Bloody diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
In rare cases, some people, especially older adults and children under 5, may develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. These people should seek emergency medical care immediately.
The agency recommended seeking immediate medical attention if a McDonald’s customer experiences:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Not urinating much
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
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