McDonald’s Quarter Pounder E. Coli Outbreak Sickens Customers in 10 Different States

Federal health officials are warning that nearly 50 people in 10 different states have been linked to a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder E.coli outbreak, including illnesses severe enough to cause at least one death and 10 other hospitalizations, with most cases occurring in Colorado and Nebraska.

E. coli is a bacteria commonly involved in food poisoning outbreaks, which typically results in symptoms that last several days. However, some strains can cause severe illness, with symptoms including vomiting, dehydration and diarrhea, which can lead to life-threatening injuries for young children, elderly adults and people with weakened immune systems.

In severe cases, E. coli food poisoning can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which could lead to kidney failure.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued the McDonald’s Quarter Pounder E. coli warning on October 22, indicating that the fast food chain has stopped using slivered onions and beef patties distributed to restaurants in at least 12 states, and warning consumers to contact their healthcare providers if they experience severe food poisoning symptoms.

CDC reports that most of the illnesses identified so far have been isolated to the western United States, with 26 occurring in Colorado, and nine others in Nebraska. Illnesses have also been reported in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

One older person in Colorado has died from the McDonald’s food poisoning, and one child is currently hospitalized with HUS after eating a Quarter Pounder. However, the exact number of people sickened may not be known, as many people can recover without seeking treatment.

Most of the people affected in this outbreak have said they ate a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder prior to getting sick, but it is not yet known which sandwich ingredient might be contaminated.

As a result of the outbreak, McDonald’s has stopped serving Quarter Pounders in some states, and indicates that it believes the E. coli outbreak may be linked either to the quarter pound patties or to fresh slivered onions that are used primarily on the sandwiches. The company said in a statement on Tuesday that they believe the tainted onions may have come from a single supplier, with ties to three different distribution centers.

E. coli symptoms often start within three to four days of consuming the bacteria. Most people recover five to seven days later without seeking any treatment. Symptoms of E. coli infection can include a fever over 102 degrees, diarrhea for more than three days that is often bloody, an inability to keep liquids down, and signs of dehydration, such as not urinating much, dry mouth and dizziness when standing up.

McDonald’s customers who believe they have been infected with E. coli should contact their healthcare provider and tell them what they have eaten. They can also contact their state’s health department with any additional questions.