It has been reported that hamburgers may not be temporarily available in some states due to an E. coli outbreak that has sickened 49 people in the United States, primarily in Colorado and Nebraska, and has caused one death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ten people, including a child, have been hospitalized as a result of this outbreak.
E. coli is a bacterium that resides in the intestines of people and animals and can cause symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, which usually manifest three to four days after ingestion of the bacteria, according to the CDC. All affected individuals reported having eaten at McDonald's before becoming ill, specifically mentioning having consumed a Quarter Pounder burger.
McDonald's has removed the suspected ingredients from the Quarter Pounder burgers from stores in the affected states while the investigation is ongoing. Investigators are focusing on two ingredients of the burgers: fresh sliced onions and fresh beef patties. It has been noted that some strains of E. coli can worsen symptoms.
One of the affected individuals, a child, has been hospitalized for complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome, an illness that affects the blood vessels of the kidneys. The E. coli bacteria can originate from contaminated water or food, such as vegetables or undercooked ground beef. It is important to note that the strain of E. coli linked to this outbreak was discovered in 1885 by Theodor Escherich, a German pediatrician and bacteriologist, who identified it in the intestinal tract of healthy infants and named it Bacterium coli commune due to its location in the colon.
It is crucial for the public to stay informed about the symptoms of E. coli, as in some cases the bacteria can cause serious kidney problems.
