No confirmed Pueblo cases of E. coli illness linked to McDonald's burger

A multi-state E.coli outbreak connected to a specific McDonald’s hamburger has caused more than two dozen illnesses and one death in Colorado, according to the state health department.

However, no cases connected to the outbreak had been identified in Pueblo County as of Oct. 24, according to the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment.

How many cases and deaths have been recorded in Colorado?

State health officials announced Tuesday that Colorado was working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after the CDC warned of a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli foodborne outbreak connected to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders in multiple states.

“Based on case interviews and supplier information, McDonald’s has temporarily stopped producing the item at McDonald’s in some states, including Colorado,” state officials announced in a news release.

As of Thursday, the CDC had identified 49 cases and 10 hospitalizations in 10 states, with the bulk of those cases — 26 — and the only death recorded in Colorado.

“One older person with underlying conditions in Colorado has died after contracting E. coli,” Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment officials stated in a Tuesday new release.

The person who died was a resident of Mesa County, according to the Mesa County Public Health Department.

"Currently, the 26 Colorado cases in this outbreak reside in nine counties across the state — Arapahoe, Chaffee, El Paso, Gunnison, Larimer, Mesa, Routt, Teller, and Weld," Hope Shuler, CDPHE Interim Communications Director for the Division of Disease Control & Public Health Response, told the Chieftain in an email. "The (people with the E. coli) cases may not have eaten at a McDonald's location in the county in which they reside."

CDC officials stated that while the source of contamination is still under investigation, “early information from the Food and Drug Administration indicates onions may be a source of this outbreak.”

“Fresh-slivered onions are primarily used on Quarter Pounder hamburgers and not other menu items. USDA is also looking into the beef patties on the Quarter Pounder hamburgers,” CDPHE officials stated in the release. “The E. coli foodborne outbreak has been associated with multiple McDonald's restaurants across Colorado.”

What are the symptoms of E. coli?

According to CDPHE, symptoms of a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection may include:

• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Vomiting
• Fever

In severe cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure and death.

“If you recently ate a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and are experiencing these symptoms, contact a health care provider and local public health agency,” CDPHE officials stated in the release.

What is E. coli?

E. coli is a bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals, according to CDPHE.

Most strains are harmless, but certain types, including those capable of producing Shiga toxins, can cause severe illness.

“Most people with a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection start feeling sick three to four days after eating or drinking something that contains the bacteria,” CDPHE officials said in the release. “However, illnesses can start anywhere from one to 10 days after exposure.”

What to do if you may have contracted E. coli/ how to prevent its spread

• Monitor for symptoms. If you experience symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections, contact a health care provider.
• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or before preparing food.
• Do not prepare food for others while experiencing diarrhea.

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Chieftain Editor Zach Hillstrom can be reached at zhillstrom@gannett.com or on X, at @ZachHillstrom. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: No confirmed Pueblo cases of E. coli illness linked to McDonald's burger