OMAHA — A multi-state outbreak of E. coli has resulted in one death and ten hospitalizations, with three of the hospitalized individuals hailing from the Omaha metro area. This outbreak has been traced back to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers and onions, contributing to a total of 49 cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) across ten states.
According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, STEC can spread through undercooked meat, raw milk, unpasteurized juices, contaminated water, and produce tainted with feces. Most reported illnesses have been in Colorado and Nebraska, where nine cases have been documented—eight in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Health officials emphasize that there may be more unreported cases and urge anyone with symptoms to contact their healthcare provider.
While other states, including Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri, have also reported infections, the CDC is not advising against consuming McDonald’s food, as potentially contaminated items have been removed from the menu in affected states. McDonald’s has stated that it is temporarily halting the distribution of slivered onions linked to the outbreak, sourced from a supplier serving three distribution centers.
Symptoms of E. coli infections typically include diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, and vomiting. Nebraska health officials warn that the actual number of infections could be much higher than reported due to many individuals recovering without medical care or testing. For more information on symptoms and prevention, individuals can consult the CDC’s website.
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