More Illnesses Reported In McDonald's E. coli Outbreak Impacting WI

WISCONSIN — The number of people who became ill after eating McDonald's Quarter Pounders linked to a deadly E. coli strain has risen to 75 nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday.

The total is up from 49 cases reported on Tuesday. Among those affected by the outbreak is at least one resident of Wisconsin.

At least 22 people have been hospitalized. The CDC reported Tuesday that one person has died, with no additional deaths reported Friday.

Patients range in age from 13 to 88, with a median age of 29. Forty percent are female, and 60 percent are male.

"This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported," the CDC said. "This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli."

Investigators continue to work to determine if the slivered onions or beef patties in Quarter Pounder burgers are the specific source of this outbreak.

Taylor Farms, the supplier of slivered onions for affected McDonald’s locations, has initiated a volunteer recall of yellow onions, according to the CDC. Customers were contacted directly and asked to dispose of the products.

What Is McDonald’s Doing?

McDonald's locations in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma have stopped using their current supply of slivered onions and beef patties for Quarter Pounders.

"We are working in close partnership with our suppliers to replenish supply for the Quarter Pounder in the coming weeks (timing will vary by local market)," McDoanlds said in a statement on Tuesday.

"In the meantime, all other menu items, including other beef products (including the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and the Double Cheeseburger) are unaffected and available. We will continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are committed to providing timely updates as we restore our full menu."

How Long Before People Get Sick?

E. coli symptoms typically appear three or four days after exposure to the bacteria, but people can become ill within a day or as late as 10 days after exposure. Symptoms can last for a week to 10 days.

Most people recover from E. coli infections on their own within five to seven days. The CDC advises calling a health care provider for serious symptoms such as a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit; diarrhea that persists for more than three days and bloody diarrhea; and signs of dehydration, including infrequent urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.