McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Burgers have been linked to an outbreak of E. coli, a bacteria that can make people sick.
The epidemic has killed one person in Coloradoaccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also affected nearly 50 other people in 10 states.
The illnesses may be linked to the sliced onions used on Quarter Pounders or the patty itself, but the investigation into the specific contaminated food ingredient is ongoing, the CDC shared in an article published Tuesday.
McDonald’s said it had quarter pounds removed out of a total of 12 states, but all other menu items are unaffected.
The CDC added that the outbreak may not be limited to states with known illnesses, either.
“The actual number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli,” the agency wrote.
Symptoms and first signs of E. coli
Symptoms of E. coli usually begins about two to seven days after exposure, CBS News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook told the “CBS Evening News” on Tuesday.
Symptoms may include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Vomiting
- Feeling dehydrated or dizzy
If you ate a Quarter Pounder and have any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider, the CDC advises.
“Especially if you have a fever over 102, you can’t reduce your fluids or your symptoms last more than three days,” LaPook said.
How E. coli is transmitted
People can become infected with E. coli by ingesting it.
“This can occur 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 hands clean, prepare food safely and drink clean water, the agency adds.
How serious is E. coli?
“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 cause diarrhea , urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis and other illnesses,” says the CDC.
For example, some E. coli infections can lead to a serious health problem called hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, which can cause kidney failure, permanent health problems and death, according to the CDC.
Some people are also at increased risk of E. coli infection, including:
- Children under 5 years old
- Adults aged 65 and over
- People with weakened immune systems
- International travelers
