Cases of E. Coli infection increase to 104 after eating at McDonald’s

• E. Coli Infections on the Rise
• Around 34 People Hospitalized
• Which State Was the Most Affected?

An outbreak of food poisoning caused by the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria has affected at least 104 people in the United States, with 34 of them hospitalized.

The outbreak, linked to onions served in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, has resulted in one death in Colorado.

It has also raised concerns among health authorities, according to The Associated Press.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided this update on Wednesday and continue to monitor the number of cases closely.

E. Coli Infections Increasing

Cases have been reported in at least 14 states. Colorado has the highest number of cases (30).

This is followed by Montana (19), Nebraska (13), New Mexico (10), and Missouri and Utah (8 each).

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Other states affected include Wyoming, Kansas, Michigan, Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.

These reports highlight the scale of the problem, according to CDC data.

What Is Known About the E. Coli Infections?

Preliminary investigations point to sliced onions used in Quarter Pounder hamburgers as the source of the E. Coli contamination at McDonald’s.

These onions, supplied by Taylor Farms, a California-based producer, have been pulled from the market.

This decision followed the FDA’s detection of a dangerous strain of E. coli in tested samples.

However, this strain does not match exactly with the one affecting consumers, complicating the investigation.

What Happened With McDonald’s?

McDonald’s responded by removing Quarter Pounder hamburgers from menus in affected states. The company has also implemented immediate measures to control the situation.

McDonald’s announced it has hired an alternative supplier. It has resumed selling the burgers after ensuring ingredient safety.

E. coli infections can cause symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), and dehydration.

According to the CDC, this type of E. coli infection leads to approximately 74,000 cases and 61 deaths annually in the United States. This underscores the need for a swift and effective response.

*WITH INFORMATION FROM AP.

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