15 new cases, 5 hospitalizations

On By Littum

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The US Center for Disease Control has identified on Wednesday 15 new cases of E. coli poisoning attached to onions in Quarter Pounders sold in the fast food chain.

The cases were from before McDonald’s suspended the use of onions from distributor Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility, the CDC said.

The agency also announced five new hospitalizations attributed to the outbreak, bringing the total number of hospitalizations to 27 and the total number of cases to 90. One person died in Colorado due to the outbreak

The fast-food giant apologized for the outburst in an investor call Tuesday, with CEO Chris Kempczinski saying he was “relieved that this situation appears to be contained and I remain confident in the safety of eating at McDonald’s.”

At least three lawsuits have been filed against McDonald’s in connection with the outbreak, and lawyers for those who have already filed suit expect more to come.

The company announced on Sunday that the quarter pound would return within a week.

McDonald’s E. coli case brief

What is E. coli? What are the symptoms?

Most Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria reside harmlessly in the intestines of humans and animals. But some can cause mild to life-threatening gastrointestinal illnesses if ingested, says the CDC.

The types of E. coli, which may cause diarrhea usually spread through food or water contaminated with feces. For example, food handlers can spread infection when they do not use proper hand washing after using the toilet. Animals such as cattle can also spread E. coli to food and food crops.

Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting, according to the CDC.

The agency recommended seeking immediate medical attention if a McDonald’s customer experiences:

  • Diarrhea and fever higher than 102°F
    • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that does not improve
    • Bloody diarrhea
  • So much vomiting that you can’t keep fluids down
  • Signs of dehydration, such as:
    • Not peeing much
    • Dry mouth and throat
    • Feeling dizzy when standing up