Quarter pounder burgers from McDonald’s have been linked to an outbreak of E. coli, a bacteria that can make people sick.
The outbreak has killed one person in Coloradoaccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It has also affected nearly 50 other people in 10 states.
The illnesses may be linked to chopped onions used on Quarter Pounders or the patty itself, but the investigation into the specific contaminated food ingredient is ongoing, the CDC shared in a post Tuesday.
McDonald’s said yes Quarter pounders removed from a total of 12 states, but that all other menu items remain unaffected.
The CDC added that the outbreak may not be limited to states with known illnesses either.
“The actual number of sick people is probably much higher than the reported number. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli,” the agency wrote.
Symptoms and early signs of E. coli
Symptoms of E. coli usually begin about two to seven days after exposure, said CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook Tuesday on the “CBS Evening News.”
Symptoms may include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Feeling of dehydration or dizziness
If you have eaten a Quarter Pounder and have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider, the CDC advises.
“Especially if you have a fever above 102, you can’t keep fluids down or your symptoms last longer than three days,” LaPook said.
How E. coli is transmitted
People can become infected with E. coli by ingesting it.
“This can happen through contaminated food or water or through contact with animals, environments, or other people,” the CDC website notes.
The best way to prevent infection is to keep your hands clean, prepare food safely and drink safe water, the agency adds.
How serious can E. coli become
“Most E. coli are harmless and part of a healthy intestinal tract. E. coli helps us digest food, produce vitamins and protect us from harmful germs. But some E. coli can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections , pneumonia, sepsis and other illnesses,” the CDC says.
For example, certain E. coli infections can lead to a serious health condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, which can cause kidney failure, permanent health problems and death, according to the CDC.
Certain people are also at increased risk for E. coli infection, including:
- Children under 5 years old
- Adults 65 years and older
- People with a weakened immune system
- International travelers
