In the United States, at least one person died after consuming a McDonald's hamburger known as the "Quarter Pounder" due to an outbreak of the bacteria Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli. The outbreak manifested in late September and spread across 10 states, with the majority of the 49 cases concentrated in Colorado and Nebraska. This incident led to an 8% drop in the fast-food chain’s stock on Wall Street.
Regarding this outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that at least a dozen people were hospitalized, including a child with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition affecting the blood vessels of the kidneys. Unfortunately, the death of an elderly person was recorded in Colorado.
Escherichia coli is a bacteria that can be present in contaminated food, so it is crucial to maintain proper hygiene measures, such as cooking food correctly. This type of bacteria can cause a range of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, intense abdominal cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, fatigue, and fever. To prevent infections, it is recommended to wash fruits and vegetables before consumption, as well as to avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
The E. coli that cause illness are usually present in contaminated food. Therefore, it is essential to cook food adequately and maintain good hygiene. Some symptoms of infection by this bacteria include nausea, vomiting, intense abdominal cramps, diarrhea with blood, fatigue, and fever. Additionally, the infection can be acquired by ingesting contaminated water or by being in contact with human waste in pools.
In the population, E. coli infection often improves within five to ten days without the need for treatment. The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) explains that E. coli can inhabit the human intestine and provide certain benefits by producing bacteriocins, which help prevent the intestine from being colonized by other harmful bacteria. It is crucial to maintain proper hygiene practices to avoid this type of infection.
