First McDonald'srelated E. coli case detected in North Carolina
Nov 14, 2024
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded more than 100 cases of people with the outbreak strain of E. coli traced back to McDonald's restaurants. The first of such cases has now been recorded in North Carolina.
Epidemiologic and traceback data show that fresh, slivered onions served at McDonald’s were the likely source of this outbreak. Affected onions served at McDonald's locations have been recalled and are past shelf life.
A total of 104 people infected have been reported from 14 states. Colorado has the highest number of recorded cases with 30. As of Wednesday, North Carolina has one reported case. The CDC has not disclosed which McDonald's the patient's food came from.
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Of 98 people with information available, 34 have been hospitalized, and four people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. One death has been reported from an older adult in Colorado. This person is not one of those who developed HUS.
The CDC says some affected people reported traveling to other states before their illness started. At least seven people ate at McDonald's during their travel.
The CDC believes 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.
Because these onions are recalled and past shelf life, the CDC says it is not necessary to avoid eating onions or other foods made with onions.