One Dead, 49 Sick After E. coli Outbreak in McDonald's
Public health officials are scrambling to contain a multi-state outbreak of E. coli infections linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert on October 22nd, urging consumers to be cautious and outlining steps to prevent further illness.
News of the Outbreak
As of October 23rd, the CDC reports 49 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 across 10 states. These illnesses are associated with people who reported eating Quarter Pounder hamburgers from McDonald's in the weeks leading up to their symptoms.
The outbreak has resulted in hospitalizations for at least 10 individuals, and one tragic death has been reported in an older adult from Colorado.
Symptoms of E. coli Infection
E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals. While most strains are harmless, some, like E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe illness. Symptoms of E. coli infection typically appear within 3-4 days of exposure.
These symptoms include:
Severe stomach cramps
Diarrhea (often bloody)
Vomiting
Fever
Fatigue
How the Outbreak is Being Investigated
The CDC, along with public health agencies 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 collaborating to investigate the source of the outbreak.
Epidemiological data suggests that the contamination likely originates from an ingredient used in the Quarter Pounder hamburgers.
McDonald's is cooperating with the investigation and has proactively taken steps to address the situation. They have reported removing fresh slivered onions and fresh beef patties from Quarter Pounder menus in several states while the investigation continues.
While the specific source of contamination remains unidentified, McDonald's emphasizes their commitment to food safety and is working closely with investigators to identify and remove the culprit ingredient.
Protecting Yourself from E. coli
E. coli can be a serious infection that can lead to hospitalization or death in some cases. While this can be scary, there are precautionary measures you can follow to protect yourself and your family.
The CDC offers these steps to reduce your risk of E. coli infection:
Thoroughly cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other ingredients.
Wash fruits and vegetables before consumption.
Don't drink unpasteurized milk or juice.
Staying Informed
The CDC is actively updating its website with the latest information on the outbreak.
Here are some resources for staying informed:
CDC E. coli Outbreak Investigation Page: https://www.cdc.gov/foodborne-outbreaks/index.html
USDA-FSIS Website: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/
FDA Website: https://www.fda.gov/