Update: Coloradan who died from E. coli infection linked to McDonald’s food was Mesa County resident. Our original story continues below.
Officials say 27 people in Colorado have been sickened by an outbreak of E. coli, which investigators are connecting to food at McDonald’s restaurants.
“A fast-moving outbreak investigation” is underway in Colorado and other western states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nationwide, 49 people have been infected with the same strain of E. coli. Most of the cases are in Colorado, however, where an older person has also died after contracting the bacteria, according to the CDC. A child has also been hospitalized and diagnosed with a condition that can result in kidney failure. In neighboring Nebraska, nine people are ill.
The common thread federal investigators say is McDonald’s Quarter Pounder. Teams believe fresh, slivered onions and/or fresh beef patties are the culprit.
McDonald’s told federal regulators that it had removed the ingredients from some stores, and Quarter Pounders may be temporarily unavailable.
What to know about this outbreak of E. coli infections
- If you have severe symptoms of E. coli infection after eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger at McDonald’s, seek health care and tell your provider about what you ate.
- Symptoms usually start three to four days after swallowing the bacteria.
- Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
- Most people recover without treatment after five to seven days.
