Multistate E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Slivered Onions Expands to 13 States
A multistate E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s has expanded to 13 states, with as many as 75 people sickened, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Friday.
The outbreak now affects 13 states, up from the original 10, with 22 people hospitalized and two developing a serious condition that can cause kidney failure, the CDC said. One person, an older adult from Colorado, has died after eating the contaminated food.
Which states have McDonald’s E. coli outbreaks?
The CDC has released a latest map showing 75 people sickened in 13 states, with the majority located in Colorado. Here is the list of states affected:
- Oregon: 1
- Washington: 1
- Montana: 13
- Wyoming: 4
- Utah: 5
- Colorado: 26
- New Mexico: 5
- Nebraska: 11
- Kansas: 1
- Iowa: 1
- Missouri: 4
- Wisconsin: 1
- Michigan: 2
Which menu item is the E. Coli outbreak linked to?
Most of those sickened reported eating Quarter Pounders served at McDonald’s, the CDC said. The Chicago-based chain has since pulled the item from menus in as many as 12 states as investigators initially said the illnesses could be tied to either the beef patties or fresh, slivered onions sold on the sandwich.
What is the source of the outbreak?
A later update from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicates that onions "may be the source of this outbreak," the CDC said. A McDonald’s spokesperson on Wednesday said the raw onions in question were sourced from a single supplier and processed at a single facility.
What are the symptoms of E. Coli?
The CDC urged anyone who experiences E. coli symptoms after eating at McDonald’s to call their healthcare provider. Symptoms typically appear within three to four days of ingesting the bacteria and include:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea, and
- Vomiting
Some people may also develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney condition that requires hospitalization.
What is E. Coli?
E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of healthy people and animals. While most types of E. coli are harmless or cause brief diarrhea, a few strains can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
Conclusion
The E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s slivered onions is a serious public health concern, with potentially severe consequences for those affected. The CDC and FDA are working closely with the company to identify the source of the outbreak and ensure that contaminated products are removed from the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people have been sickened in the E. coli outbreak?
A: As many as 75 people have been sickened in the outbreak.
Q: How many people have been hospitalized in the E. coli outbreak?
A: 22 people have been hospitalized.
Q: How many people have developed a serious condition in the E. coli outbreak?
A: Two people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney condition.
Q: What is the source of the E. coli outbreak?
A: The source of the outbreak is believed to be the slivered onions used in Quarter Pounder sandwiches at McDonald’s.
