Deadly E. coli outbreak attributed to McDonald's burgers
US authorities suspect that a contaminated batch of Quarter Pounders may have caused one death and sent ten individuals to the hospital. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
A recent outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has resulted in one fatality and at least 49 reported illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The specific ingredient responsible for the sickness has yet to be determined.
Reports of infections surfaced between September 27 and October 11 across ten states in the US, with the highest number of cases in Colorado and Nebraska. The individuals affected range from 13 to 88 years old, with the deceased being described by the CDC as “an older adult” in a Tuesday update.
Among those affected, ten individuals have been hospitalized, including a child diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney ailment.
“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 mentioned in a subsequent update on Wednesday.
All 18 individuals interviewed by public health officials indicated they dined at McDonald’s in the week prior to their illnesses. Out of 14 respondents who recalled which beef hamburger they consumed, 12 identified it as a Quarter Pounder, a menu item McDonald’s has offered since the 1970s.
While the CDC has yet to confirm which ingredient in the Quarter Pounder was contaminated, the Food and Drug Administration suspects that slivered onions might be the cause. Concurrently, the Food Safety and Inspection Service is investigating the beef patties used in the burgers to identify the outbreak's source.
In response, McDonald’s has temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from menus in the affected states and halted the use of slivered onions in other products. On Wednesday, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger communicated on the Today show that the company has taken “swift action,” expressing confidence that customers can still enjoy their favorites at McDonald’s.
E. coli consists of a group of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While many strains are harmless, some can lead to severe health issues, including fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Typically, these harmful strains infect people who unintentionally ingest fecal matter.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
Reports of infections surfaced between September 27 and October 11 across ten states in the US, with the highest number of cases in Colorado and Nebraska. The individuals affected range from 13 to 88 years old, with the deceased being described by the CDC as “an older adult” in a Tuesday update.
Among those affected, ten individuals have been hospitalized, including a child diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney ailment.
“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 mentioned in a subsequent update on Wednesday.
All 18 individuals interviewed by public health officials indicated they dined at McDonald’s in the week prior to their illnesses. Out of 14 respondents who recalled which beef hamburger they consumed, 12 identified it as a Quarter Pounder, a menu item McDonald’s has offered since the 1970s.
While the CDC has yet to confirm which ingredient in the Quarter Pounder was contaminated, the Food and Drug Administration suspects that slivered onions might be the cause. Concurrently, the Food Safety and Inspection Service is investigating the beef patties used in the burgers to identify the outbreak's source.
In response, McDonald’s has temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from menus in the affected states and halted the use of slivered onions in other products. On Wednesday, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger communicated on the Today show that the company has taken “swift action,” expressing confidence that customers can still enjoy their favorites at McDonald’s.
E. coli consists of a group of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While many strains are harmless, some can lead to severe health issues, including fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Typically, these harmful strains infect people who unintentionally ingest fecal matter.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
