The Centers for Disease control is investigating an E. coli outbreak in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers sold in 10 states.
At least 49 people have been sickened as of Tuesday, Oct. 22, apparently after eating the quarter-pounders. A map provided by the CDC shows most of the cases are in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Nebraska. There have also been reports in Oregon, Montana, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin. At least 26 people were sickened in Colorado alone.
The CDC said reports of illnesses began Sept. 27 through Oct. 11. At least 10 have been hospitalized with one person developing a condition that can cause kidney failure.
“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,” the CDC stated.
The agency said McDonald’s pulled the ingredients used in the burgers, which will not be available for sale in the states where cases have been reported.
“It is not yet known which specific food ingredient is contaminated,” the CDC stated.
The fast food chain is working with the CDC and health department investigators to figure out which ingredient might be contaminated. McDonald’s said it stopped using fresh, slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in the key states.
Symptoms of E. coli include diarrhea for more than three days; a fever higher than 102 degrees, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth and throat, limited urine output and dizziness.
The CDC noted that symptoms start three to four days after eating contaminated food, and most people recover without treatment after five to seven days.
The agency does recommend that anyone who eats a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and has severe E. coli symptoms contact their healthcare provider.
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