The number of cases in the E. coli outbreak connected to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has risen to 90, according to an update on Wednesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Cases have now been reported in 13 states, with the largest numbers in Colorado (29 cases) and Montana (17 cases). Other affected states include Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The CDC notes that the illnesses have occurred between Sept. 27 and Oct. 16.
To date, 27 individuals have been hospitalized, with two cases developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe condition that can lead to kidney failure. Colorado health officials also confirmed one death related to the outbreak, a resident from Mesa County. The individual who died was not one of the two patients diagnosed with HUS.
The CDC cautions that the number of cases may increase, as it can take three to four weeks to confirm an illness as part of an outbreak. Additionally, many cases may go unreported if individuals recover without seeking medical care or testing for E. coli.
Interviews with affected individuals reveal that most had eaten a Quarter Pounder from McDonald’s prior to becoming ill. According to CDC data, fresh, slivered onions used on the Quarter Pounder and other menu items are likely the source of the outbreak.
In response, McDonald’s has stopped using slivered onions on the Quarter Pounder in certain states to mitigate further risk. Taylor Farms, the supplier of these onions, has also issued a recall of yellow onions used in the affected McDonald’s locations. All reported cases occurred before McDonald’s and Taylor Farms took action to remove the onions.
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Additionally, McDonald’s halted the distribution of Quarter Pounder patties in the impacted areas last week and is working with suppliers to produce a fresh supply of patties. The company expects the Quarter Pounder to return to all restaurants in the coming week.
The CDC advises individuals experiencing severe symptoms of E. coli—such as bloody diarrhea, a fever over 102°F, or vomiting—to seek medical attention immediately.
