The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that one person has died and another 49 are confirmed cases of E.coli believed to be as a result of a popular McDonald’s menu item.

Between September 27 and October 11, 10 US states reported people testing positive for E.coli.

A total of 49 people are reported as having contracted the bacterial infection so far, with 10 people reported as having been taken to hospital and one person having passed away.

States and people affected

States impacted so far with cases of E.coli and linked to McDonald’s include: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

It’s reported 27 of the 49 cases are in Colorado, including the one person who has passed away and a child who is reported as experiencing severe kidney complications.

The ages of all those affected ranging between 13 to 88 years old.

The outbreak has been linked to McDonald’s (Getty Stock Images/ Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

What is E.coli and how do you get it?

The Cleveland Clinic states: “E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your gut (GI tract), urinary tract and other parts of your body. Most of the time, it can live in your gut without hurting you.

“But some strains can make you sick with watery diarrhea, vomiting and a fever. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is most likely to cause severe illness.”

You can contract the infection through eating ‘contaminated food,’ the clinic noting this ‘includes undercooked meat and raw fruits and veggies that aren’t washed well enough’.

And the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has since linked the outbreak to an item on McDonald’s menu – the Quarter Pounder burger – after all reported cases confirmed eating at the fast food chain, with many reporting eating the burger before being struck down by the infection.

It is currently unconfirmed what particular ingredient within the item may be guilty of triggering the E.coli outbreak, however, McDonald’s has taken precautionary measures while it investigates.

The E.coli outbreak has affected 10 states (Getty Stock Images)

The investigation

The fast food chain confirmed in a statement that it’s halted using ‘slivered onions’ which are ‘sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers’ pausing the ‘distribution of all slivered onions in the impacted area,’ alongside removing the Quarter Pounder from restaurants in impacted areas ‘out of an abundance of caution’.

According to a release by the CDC, McDonald’s is said to be working alongside the organization to confirm the contaminated ingredient – an investigation reported as officially being launched yesterday (October 22).

Officials are concerned that cases may rise significantly given it can take weeks for cases to be reported.

Quarter Pounders have been pulled from the affected states (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Symptoms

CDC explains that symptoms typically begin three to four days after coming into contact with the bacteria and it typically takes people five to seven days to recover ‘without treatment’.

However, CDC also urges members of the public to call their healthcare provider if you’ve eaten a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder recently and are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Fever higher than 102°F
• Diarrhoea – lasts more than three days and not improving or with blood in it
• Vomiting – particularly if unable to keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration – not weeing frequently, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when you stand up

E. coli can lead to ‘serious kidney problems’ in more severe cases.

There are certain symptoms to look out for (Getty Stock Images)

McDonald’s statement

McDonald’s said in a statement, as quoted by NBC Chicago: “Across the McDonald’s System, serving customers safely in every single restaurant, each and every day, is our top priority and something we’ll never compromise on. It is why we are taking swift and decisive action following an E. Coli outbreak in certain states.

“We take food safety extremely seriously and it’s the right thing to do. Impacted restaurants are receiving a stock recovery notice today and should reach out to their field supply chain manager or distribution center with any questions.

“We are working in close partnership with our suppliers to replenish supply for the Quarter Pounder in the coming weeks (timing will vary by local market). In the meantime, all other menu items, including other beef products (including the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and the Double Cheeseburger) are unaffected and available.

“We will continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are committed to providing timely updates as we restore our full menu.”

UNILAD has contacted the CDC and McDonald’s for further comment.