Infections Grow in McDonald’s E. Coli Outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that an additional 26 McDonald’s customers across three more states have been infected with E. coli, as the agency continues its investigation into the outbreak’s source. Meanwhile, McDonald's stated to AARP that onions from one of its suppliers were identified as the cause of the infections.

Amid the news, other fast-food chains—including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Burger King—have removed onions from certain menu items, according to the Associated Press.

Earlier, US Foods, one of the nation’s largest restaurant suppliers and a distributor of Taylor Farms products, issued a recall advising food service operators to immediately stop using the affected onions.

E. coli infections

As of Friday, 75 cases of E. coli infection have been reported between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11, resulting in at least 22 hospitalizations among 61 people with available information. Two people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure, and in Colorado, an older adult died from the infection.

Colorado reported the highest number of infections with 26 cases. Additional infections have been confirmed in Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

However, the actual number of cases is likely higher, as many people recover without seeking medical care or being tested for E. coli. The CDC also noted that more recent cases, as well as infections in additional states, may not yet be reported because it typically takes three to four weeks to determine if an illness is linked to the outbreak.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection

Most people with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, like the strain identified in this outbreak, experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin three to four days after swallowing the bacteria.

Most infected people recover within a week. Standard care includes rehydration and other supportive measures to alleviate symptoms. Some people may develop a more serious infection resulting in hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.

The CDC is urging anyone experiencing severe E. coli symptoms to contact their health care provider immediately. Symptoms that require medical attention include diarrhea that lasts more than three days without improvement, is bloody, or is accompanied by a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, if vomiting is severe enough that you can’t keep liquids down, or if you show signs of dehydration — such as infrequent urination, dry mouth and throat, or dizziness when standing — you should seek care right away.