E.coli UPDATE: 75 now reported affected across 13 states as a result of the McDonald’s food poisoning outbreak. The cause has still not been officially pinpointed. But, it appears the Quarter Pounder’s fresh beef patties have apparently been cleared…
At least 75 McCustomers now known ill across 13 states…
May be far from over
As of this writing, the CDC’s most recent official update on the McDonald’s E.coli situation was dated this past Friday, At that time, CDC reported:
“As of October 24, 75 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 13 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept 27, 2024, to October 10, 2024. 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. One death has been reported [of] an older adult in Colorado.”
But the agency cautioned: “The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”
A further update is expected sometime today.
Not exclusively the Quarter Pounder
With all that remains unconfirmed, we now know that the outbreak is not exclusively associated with McD’s customers who consumed Quarter Pounders (see image, top of page). Which places greater emphasis on the other suspected vector of infection, slivered onions.
As reported previously, Taylor farms, the company that provides the onions to McD’s locations in 13, states has recalled all such products, both from its resto customers and retail outlets.
Detailed info gathering
CDC is gathering detailed information from folks affected by the outbreak. As of the last update, “Of the 42 people interviewed, all 42 (100 percent) report eating at McDonald’s, and 39 people report eating a beef hamburger. Of 36 people who remember the specific beef hamburger they ate at McDonald’s, 31 (86 percent) report eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger. Some people in this out-break reported traveling to other states before their illness started. At least three people ate at McDonald’s during their travels.”
My take
As the great Yogi Berra famously said of a baseball game, “It ain’t over until it’s over!” The CDC says many more victims could well be added to the list before the count tops out. And other factors could still emerge relating to its cause.
We’ll keep you updated as relevant new info becomes available…
~ Maggie J.