### E. Coli Outbreak Associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounders: Essential Information
In the past few weeks, a notable **E. coli O157:H7 outbreak** has been associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers, impacting several states throughout the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Friday that **26 additional cases** have been confirmed, raising the total number of cases to **75**. This marks a 50% rise in cases since October 22, 2024. The outbreak has resulted in **22 hospitalizations** and two occurrences of **hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)**, a serious complication linked to E. coli infections. Unfortunately, one death has also been recorded.
### States Impacted by the Outbreak
The outbreak has now extended to **13 states**, with the latest illness onset dating back to October 10, 2024. The states with verified cases include:
– **Colorado**: 26 cases
– **Montana**: 13 cases
– **Nebraska**: 11 cases
– **New Mexico**: 5 cases
– **Utah**: 5 cases
– **Missouri**: 4 cases
– **Wyoming**: 4 cases
– **Michigan**: 2 cases
– **Iowa, Kansas, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin**: 1 case each
### Origin of the Outbreak
Although the precise source of the outbreak has not been definitively established, investigators are concentrating on the **beef patties** and **sliced onions** utilized in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. In light of the outbreak, McDonald’s has promptly acted by removing the Quarter Pounder from menus in affected locations and ceasing the distribution of sliced onions from the implicated restaurants.
The impacted regions comprise **Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming**, along with areas in **Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma**.
### Onion Recall and Supplier Measures
On October 23, 2024, **Taylor Farms**, one of McDonald’s onion suppliers, initiated a recall for peeled and diced yellow onion products. Although the company stated that its testing did not reveal E. coli, it opted to proceed with the recall as a precaution. The onions were disposed of to mitigate further risk.
### Effect on Other Fast Food Chains
Other fast food chains, including **Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut**, have also removed onions from their establishments in the affected states. Nevertheless, the CDC has confirmed that no other restaurants or stores have been identified as sources of infection in this current outbreak. According to the CDC, all 42 individuals interviewed so far reported dining at McDonald’s prior to becoming ill, with a majority specifically citing the Quarter Pounder burger.
### CDC’s Risk Evaluation
Despite the increasing number of cases, the CDC believes that the **ongoing risk to the public remains low** due to McDonald’s prompt actions and the recall of potentially contaminated onions. However, the CDC warns that further cases could arise, as it may take **three to four weeks** to connect an illness to an outbreak.
### Legal Proceedings
Several individuals impacted by the outbreak have already initiated lawsuits against McDonald’s. **Clarissa DeBock**, a 33-year-old resident of Nebraska, has filed a lawsuit after receiving emergency treatment for an E. coli infection subsequent to her consumption of a Quarter Pounder on September 18. Likewise, **Eric Stelly** of Colorado experienced severe illness requiring emergency care after eating a Quarter Pounder on October 4. Both are being represented by the law firm **Ron Simon & Associates**, which is also advocating for at least nine other victims.
### High-Risk Groups
The CDC has highlighted that certain populations are more susceptible to severe E. coli infections, including:
– **Children under 5 years old**
– **Adults over 65 years old**
– **Individuals with weakened immune systems**
These groups face a greater risk of developing serious complications, such as **hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)**, which can result in kidney failure.
### E. Coli Infection Symptoms
The initial symptoms of an E. coli O157:H7 infection typically manifest **three to four days** after consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms include:
– **Stomach cramps**
– **Diarrhea (often bloody)**
– **Vomiting**
In more severe instances, individuals may encounter:
– **Diarrhea accompanied by a fever exceeding 102°F**
– **Diarrhea persisting beyond three days without improvement**
– **Bloody diarrhea**
– **Severe vomiting, hindering fluid retention**
– **Signs of dehydration**, such as diminished urination, dry mouth, and dizziness upon standing
### What to Do If You Suspect Infection
