Deadly E. Coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s: one life lost, dozens affected

An E. Coli outbreak connected to McDonald’s has claimed the life of an elderly man in Colorado, in the United States, and left dozens more ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC reported on Tuesday that 49 people across 10 states have been affected by the same deadly strain, which can be fatal in up to 20% of cases. Ten patients have been hospitalised, including a child who suffered severe kidney damage.

All the patients who got sick had eaten at McDonald’s beforehand, and many specifically ordered the popular Quarter Pounder burger.

McDonald’s pulls onions and beef patties

Investigators suspect that either the slivered onions or the beef patty could be the source of the illness. The chain noted that its Quarter Pounders, enjoyed by 110,000 Americans daily, might be temporarily out of stock in some states, reporter to Daily Mail.

McDonald’s has taken out slivered onions and beef patties from its Quarter Pounder and has temporarily stopped selling the burger in the affected areas.

Analyst Andrew Strelzik from BMO Capital Markets noted that while it’s still early, past experiences suggest that comparable sales can drop quickly but may rebound if the issue doesn’t happen again. He also pointed out that this comes at a bad time for McDonald’s and its investors since U.S. sales were starting to pick up after the introduction of $5 value meals, according to Reuters

E. Coli outbreak claims life of vulnerable adult

In the recent E. Coli outbreak, an older adult in Colorado with pre-existing health conditions has died, according to state and federal health officials. Those who fell ill ranged in age from 13 to 88, with a median age of 26.

The CDC noted that the actual number of infected individuals is probably higher, as many people recover from E. Coli without seeking medical help, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Symptoms of E. Coli infection can include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting, and some people may experience severe kidney issues. At least one person linked to the outbreak has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. This is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure, according to the CDC.

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