E. coli outbreak linked with McDonald’s Quarter Pounders: In what states and are other products affected?
The CDC reports “a fast-moving outbreak investigation” that may be linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. Here’s what we know so far.
The CDC reports “a fast-moving outbreak investigation” that may be linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. The majority of those who have gotten sick have reported eating this particular food item at the fast food chain.
McDonald’s has pulled the ingredients used for this menu item while investigators work to determine which food ingredient is contaminated. In the meantime, these burgers will not be available for sale in some states.
E. coli outbreak linked with McDonald’s Quarter Pounders: In what states and are other products affected?
Health officials said on Tuesday that across 10 states almost 50 people have fallen ill, with one fatality. The majority of the cases have been reported in Colorado and Nebraska. McDonald’s has stopped using slivered onions, which are primarily used on quarter pound beef patties and not other menu items, as well as the quarter pound beef patties that are exclusively used to make Quarter Pounders in several states.
In addition to Colorado and Nebraska, the other states affected are Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
What are the symptoms of E. coli poisoning?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, E. Coli can cause dehydration, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps, and can be deadly, in the worst-case scenario.
The health agency advises that you should call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms. Diarrhea and a fever above 102ºF, diarrhea for more than 3 days and its is not improving, or bloody diarrhea. Likewise if you are vomiting so much that you cannot keep liquids down. Additionally, if you are showing signs of dehydration, which include not peeing much, a dry mouth and throat or feeling dizzy when standing up.
Symptoms typically begin three to four days after consuming an affected food, and can last about a week. For more information the CDC provides a frequently asked question page.