Today a new outbreak has been announced by the CDC linked to the ever-popular fast food chain, McDonalds. So far, 49 people are sick in 10 states, and one person has died. Here is everything we know about this McDonalds E. coli Outbreak:
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections.
Epidemiologic data show that Quarter Pounder hamburgers served at McDonald’s are contaminated with E. coli and are making people sick. Early information from FDA indicates onions may be a source of this outbreak. Investigators from all agencies are working quickly to determine the contaminated ingredient.
As of October 22, 49 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 10 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept 27, 2024, to October 11, 2024. Of 28 people with information available, 10 have been hospitalized, and 1 person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. One death has been reported from an older adult in Colorado. This is not the same person with HUS.
The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
The table below has information about sick people in this outbreak (“n” is the number of people with information available for each demographic).
According to the CDC, “this is a fast-moving outbreak investigation. Most sick people are reporting eating Quarter Pounder hamburgers from McDonald’s and investigators are working quickly to confirm which food ingredient is contaminated. McDonald’s has pulled ingredients for these burgers, and they won’t be available for sale in some states.”
This map shows where the 49 people in this E. coli outbreak lived.
This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli.
What exactly is E. coli, and why is it dangerous?
E. coli is a bacterium that can be found in the digestive system of humans and animals. Certain E. coli strains, such as those in the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) category are harmful to humans.
When people ingest this bad bug, they become sick. Severity of infection can vary from person to person, ranging from mild to more severe.
Common symptoms include:
Some people may also experience a fever less than 101 °F. In most cases, people begin to feel sick around 3 to 4 days after eating or drinking something contaminated with the bacteria. For many, these symptoms can persist around 5 to 7 days before feeling better.
Many people can recover on their own without medical intervention, however you should seek medical attention if you have diarrhea lasting more than 3 days and a fever above 102 °F, bloody diarrhea, or so much vomiting that you become dehydrated.
Some people may develop a serious complication known as HUS.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, is a type of kidney failure that develops in about 5 to 10% of those diagnosed with STEC infection. It is a potentially life-threatening complication that prevents the kidneys from working properly.
HUS symptoms include:
HUS symptoms usually begin about 7 days after initial diarrheal symptoms and begin as the original intestinal symptoms start to improve. Those experiencing HUS symptoms should see a healthcare professional right away.
While most people with HUS recover within a few weeks, some may suffer permanent damage or even die from the illness. These symptoms should be taken very seriously.
If you have become sick after eating Quarter Pounders and may be a part of the McDonalds E. coli Outbreak, you may have a legal case. The experienced E. coli lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC are committed to holding responsible those whose negligence has caused harm to others. If you have become sick from eating Quarter Pounders, reach out to The Lange Law Firm today by calling (833) 330-3663 or click here to fill out an online form.
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