McDonald’s E Coli bacteria have hospitalized nearly 50 people and also caused the death of one person. Here’s what you need to know about this bacterial infection.
The e coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s has hit states across the US. Several people have been hospitalized and one also died after contracting the infection. E Coli is a bacterial infection that affects the stomach and intestinal processes and can be fatal in extreme cases. A person can be exposed to Escherichia coli (E coli) through contaminated food and water. In the latest outbreak, McDonald’s onions are in question. The food establishment has removed ‘Quarter Pounders’, a variety they serve, from the menu as it is suspected to be the source.
All about E coli infection
E coli is a bacteria that is usually present in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. Sometimes, it can also help in the gut health process. However, certain strains can cause infection.
- stomach infection
- bloody diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Nausea
Symptoms begin to appear a few days after the bacteria has infected the urinary tract stomach. For treatment, doctors prescribe and consult antibiotics.
How is the E. Coli outbreak related to McDonald’s hamburgers?
McDonald’s on Tuesday removed Quarter Pounders from a fifth of its U.S. stores as a result of the outbreak, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said had sickened at least 49 people in 10 states. One person died and 10 were hospitalized, according to the CDC, the Associated Press reported.
A preliminary investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggested that fresh chopped onions served raw in Quarter Pounder burgers were a likely source of contamination. McDonald’s also serves raw chopped onions on one of its breakfast sandwiches, but that sandwich is not available in the affected stores. Other burgers, like the Big Mac, use diced, cooked onions.
McDonald’s said it was looking for a new regional supplier of fresh onions. Meanwhile, Quarter Pounders were removed from menus in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
