(NATIONAL) — 26 new cases of E. coli infections linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bringing the total number of illnesses to 75, and now three more states are being impacted by the outbreak.
According to the CDC, the latest numbers reflect reported illnesses since Thursday, Oct. 24, and include numbers from Michigan, New Mexico, and Washington, which brings the total to 13 states affected.
“More illnesses have been reported and everyone interviewed continues to report eating at McDonald’s before their illness started,” according to the CDC.
While most sick people have reported that they ate a Quarter Pounder hamburger at McDonald’s before becoming ill, it’s not yet known which specific ingredient is contaminated.
“Taylor Farms has initiated a voluntary recall of some onions sent to food service operators,” the CDC said. “Due to the product actions taken by both companies, CDC believes the risk to the public is very low.”
According to the CDC, the fast food chain is working closely with investigators to determine which ingredient in the Quarter Pounder is making people sick and has stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef parties while the investigation continues.
CDC: What businesses should do
Food service operators should not sell, eat, or serve Taylor Farms recalled yellow onions
Taylor Farms contacted businesses directly
Severe E. coli symptoms
The CDC says if you have any of the following symptoms contact your healthcare provider.
Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
Bloody diarrhea
So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
Signs of dehydration, such as:
Not peeing much
Dry mouth and throat
Feeling dizzy when standing up
Other symptoms of E. coli
Below is a list of other E. coli symptoms provided by the CDC
Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting
Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria
Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days
Some people may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and would need to be hospitalized
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are also investigating the outbreak. According to the FDA, illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept. 27, 2024, to the most recent case on Oct. 10.
“Of 61 people with information available, 22 have been hospitalized, and 2 people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure,” according to the FDA. “One death has been reported from an older adult in Colorado.”
