Colorado is the epicenter of a 13-state E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. More than one-third of the illnesses and the only reported fatality have been reported from Colorado. And onions suspected as a source of the outbreak were processed at Taylor Farms Colorado.
The E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers includes 75 illnesses and one death. Twenty-two people have been hospitalized, two of them with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication of E. coli infections that causes kidney failure.
Health officials have said ground beef and onions are the leading suspected sources. On October 24, Taylor Farms issued an onion recall for potential E. coli contamination. Salinas, CA-based Taylor Farms supplies onions to McDonald’s restaurants included in the outbreak.
McDonald’s has stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in several states as these ingredients are used mainly for Quarter Pounder hamburgers and not other menu items.
CDC Map of States Reporting Cases in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder E. coli Outbreak
Symptoms of an E. coli Infection and HUS
Symptoms of an E. coli infection usually develop within one to three days of exposure. They include abdominal cramps and diarrhea that can be bloody. About seven percent of E. coli patients develop (HUS).
Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications and antibiotics should not be given to patients with E. coli infections as they can increase the chance of developing HUS.
HUS symptoms usually appear about one week after E. coli symptoms and include:
- Pale skin
- Extreme fatigue
- Skin that easily bruises
- Decreased urine output
- Bloody diarrhea
Anyone with these symptoms should seek immediate medical care as HUS can be fatal. Treatment for HUS includes blood transfusions, dialysis, plasma exchange, and kidney transplants.
Experienced E. coli Lawyers
The E. coli Team at Pritzker Hageman has represented clients in every major U.S. E. coli outbreak.
In one recent case, our team of E. coli lawyers, obtained one of the largest E. coli verdicts in U.S. history on behalf of a young girl who contracted an E. coli-HUS infection from animal contact at a pumpkin patch. As a result of her E. coli-HUS infection, our client suffered a life-threatening illness that caused severe kidney damage.
If you or your family member developed an E. coli infection from contaminated food and you would like a free consultation with an experienced E. coli lawyer, please contact us by calling 1-888-377-8900, sending a text to 612-261-0856, or by completing the form below. The consultation is free and there is no obligation.