By Amber Roman
22 Oct 2024, 17:49 PM EDT
An outbreak of Escherichia coli related to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers that has affected several people in 10 states from the US, is being investigated by authorities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 49 people have fallen ill, of which one, an older adult in Colorado, has died. Ten more people have been hospitalized due to serious complications from the infection.
The outbreak, whose first case was recorded on September 27, has prompted a rapid response from both the health authorities and the fast food chain, which has initiated precautionary measures. McDonald’s has temporarily suspended the use of certain ingredients in establishments located in states where cases have been reported.
Although health officials have not yet identified the exact component of the burger responsible for the outbreak, The company has decided to stop using fresh cut onions and quarter-pound beef patties in an attempt to contain the spread of the disease.
There are more cases of E. Coli bacteria to be discovered
The CDC stressed that cases could be more numerous than current numbers reflect, as it often takes a period of three to four weeks to confirm whether a sick person is linked to a particular outbreak.
In this context, the symptoms of infection E.coli are critical for early diagnosis: high fever, severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting They are common signs of the disease, which can be life-threatening, especially in vulnerable people such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
States that have reported infections include Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Local health authorities have warned consumers in these areas to watch for symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if they believe they have been affected.
People are also urged to review any recent food consumed at McDonald’s, especially products containing fresh meat or onions, and to follow strict hygiene measures to prevent transmission of the pathogen.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s is working closely with public health officials on the investigation, trying to trace the origin of the outbreak and evaluate possible failures in the supply chain or food handling processes.
The company issued a statement in which it expressed its commitment to guaranteeing the safety of its customers and its willingness to cooperate at all times with investigations. Although an official product recall has not yet been issued, the preventative measures taken by the chain are a clear indication of the severity of the outbreak and its intention to minimize the risk to public health.
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