A recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has tragically resulted in one fatality in Colorado and has left 27 individuals in the state ill, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the CDC, a total of 49 people have fallen ill, with 10 requiring hospitalization, including a child. All affected individuals had consumed food at McDonald’s, with a majority stating that they had consumed Quarter Pounders, the CDC disclosed.

The deceased individual in Colorado was described as “older” and had pre-existing health conditions, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment revealed.

Individuals over 65 and children under five are at heightened risk of experiencing severe symptoms from E. coli, a bacterium that can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, intense stomach cramps, and diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by blood. While most individuals recover without medical intervention, some may develop severe dehydration or kidney issues.

Besides Colorado, E. Coli cases related to McDonald’s have also been reported in Oregon, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration suspects that “fresh-slivered onions” used in Quarter Pounders could be the source of the outbreak, although the U.S. Department of Agriculture is still investigating if beef patties could also be responsible.

McDonald’s has taken prompt action by removing onions from the affected supplier and temporarily discontinuing the Quarter Pounder in impacted states, along with parts of New Mexico and Idaho. The company is collaborating with the CDC to safely reintroduce all items.

Cesar Piña, McDonald’s chief supply chain officer for North America, assured that efforts are underway to replenish Quarter Pounder supplies in the following weeks. Other menu items remain unaffected and available for customers.

The strain of E. coli involved in this outbreak, E. coli O157:H7, leads to approximately 74,000 infections annually in the U.S., resulting in over 2,000 hospital admissions and 61 deaths. Children under five are particularly vulnerable to severe complications, including acute kidney failure.

If you suspect E. coli infection or any foodborne illness, it is advised to seek medical attention and refrain from handling food for others. Symptoms usually manifest within three to four days post-contamination but can take up to 10 days to appear.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Original Publication: October 22, 2024 at 3:46 p.m.