E. coli cases climb to more than 100 in McDonald’s onion outbreak

Summary

A deadly E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's has sickened 104 customers across 14 states, with 34 hospitalized and one confirmed death. The CDC traced the source to fresh slivered onions used in Quarter Pounders. While McDonald's has stopped selling the affected burger in certain states, the menu item has since returned. Lawsuits have been filed, including one involving a young child who fell severely ill. McDonald's expresses sympathy for those affected and reassures that food safety protocols are in place. The CDC continues to investigate the outbreak's full extent and its spread across multiple states.

Takeaways

• 😀 The E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's continues to affect many victims weeks later.
• 😀 The CDC reported 104 cases of illness tied to McDonald's across 14 states.
• 😀 34 individuals have been hospitalized, with four developing serious kidney issues.
• 😀 The outbreak has resulted in one confirmed death.
• 😀 Fresh slivered onions from McDonald's are identified as the source of the outbreak.
• 😀 McDonald's halted the sale of the Quarter Pounder in affected states but has since returned it to the menu.
• 😀 In Montana, 19 people have been affected by the outbreak.
• 😀 One Billings woman is suing McDonald's after contracting the disease, citing symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of appetite.
• 😀 McDonald's has expressed regret over the situation but is not commenting on the ongoing lawsuit.
• 😀 The CDC is still tracing the affected cases, with some people possibly consuming tainted food at airports before falling ill.

Q & A

What is the main issue described in the script?

The main issue is an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's food, specifically the fresh slivered onions used in their Quarter Pounder burgers.

How many states have reported cases related to the outbreak?

The outbreak has affected 14 states, with 104 people reported to have fallen ill.

What are some of the health effects caused by the outbreak?

The outbreak has led to hospitalizations, with 34 people hospitalized, 4 of whom developed serious kidney issues. Tragically, one person has died.

What was the source of the outbreak according to the CDC?

The CDC has identified the fresh slivered onions used in McDonald's burgers as the source of the outbreak.

What actions has McDonald's taken in response to the outbreak?

McDonald's stopped selling the Quarter Pounder in affected states but has since reintroduced the item to the menu.

What legal action has been taken as a result of the outbreak?

A woman from Billings, Montana, has filed a lawsuit against McDonald's after contracting the illness, citing symptoms like abdominal pain and nausea.

How did the West family become involved in the situation?

Nicole West's 1-year-old daughter, Logan, became ill after consuming a Quarter Pounder, leading to hospitalization. The family, along with others, is represented by attorney Bill Mahler in a lawsuit against McDonald's.

What specific symptoms did the West family experience from the outbreak?

Nicole West’s daughter suffered diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite, while the mother and father also became ill but have recovered.

What does the CDC say about the food safety situation at McDonald's restaurants?

The CDC states that food safety at McDonald's restaurants does not appear to be the issue, and the outbreak is believed to be linked to contaminated food eaten at airports before spreading across states.

How does the CDC explain the spread of the illness across multiple states?

The CDC suggests that some people may have consumed the tainted food at airports and traveled to other states before showing symptoms of the illness, leading to cases in 14 states.