E. coli outbreak rises to 90, Most people are reporting eating the Quarter Pounder hamburger at McDonald’s before becoming sick

In a follow-up on the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 15 additional outbreak cases, bringing the outbreak total to 90 in 13 states, as of October 30.

Fresh, slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders and other menu items from McDonald’s are the likely source of this outbreak. More illnesses have been reported, but they are from before McDonald’s and Taylor Farms took action to remove onions from food service locations.

Five more people have been hospitalized, bringing the total to 27 and the death toll remains at one.

Due to the product actions taken by McDonald’s and Taylor Farms, the CDC believes the continued risk to the public is very low.

CDC recommends you call your healthcare provider if you have severe E. coli symptoms:

• 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