McDonald’s has admitted that it served hamburgers, which they believe to be Quarter Pounders, infected with E. coli. They are unsure at this time if the infection can be attributed to the hamburgers or to the slivered onions served on the hamburger, but it is clear now that this is an expansive and serious outbreak.
The Center for Disease Control has issued a warning, and is conducting an investigation. Currently, the CDC has confirmed at least 49 E. Coli cases from McDonalds’ in ten states: Oregon, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The CDC typically gets this data from local authorities. As this is a fast moving investigation, however, and we expect to see many more cases in many more states as the days tick on. The CDC says the number of infected people is much, much, higher, so we truly do not know the vast effect of this is at this time.
The McDonald’s president released a Youtube video about this E.coli outbreak and has admitted that McDonald’s has pulled Quarter Pounders and slivered onions from its menu in many states. The CDC reported that McDonald’s stores in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma have temporarily stopped using Quarter Pounder slivered onions and beef patties. Currently, investigators are working to confirm the exact contaminated ingredient.
How Serious is the McDonald’s E. Coli Outbreak?
- Coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your GI tract, urinary tract, or other parts of your body. You can get E. Coli through oral consumption of the bacteria. Many people infected with E. coliexperience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Symptoms of e. coli usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.
In more serious cases of E. Coli exposure, an individual may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and would need to be hospitalized. In the most serious cases, you can die from E. Coli.
Many hospitalizations and one death have been linked to the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak. So, this is a very serious problem.
Do I get Medical Treatment if I think I have been exposed to E. Coli at McDonald’s?
Medical professionals recommend seeking medical attention if you have any of the following 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
Seniors, children younger than 5 and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of infection, according to the CDC.
What Should I do if I think I have been exposed to E. Coli at McDonald’s?
If you have been exposed to E. Coli at McDonald’s you have a claim for damages. Kiefer & Kiefer is currently representing individuals that were exposed to E. Coli at McDonald’s, one who has been hospitalized with a serious illness, and we are working on a class action lawsuit to file to investigate this matter further.
If you believe you have been exposed to E. Coli at McDonald’s, we recommend you do the following:
- Document Everything: Keep any receipts or evidence of your purchase from McDonald’s – including the receipts for purchase, whether paper or in your email. If you do not have that, we recommend keeping your bank records to show your purchase. Please note the McDonald’s where you purchased the food and the date and approximate time.
- Confirm your Diagnosis: Obtain documentation from your healthcare provider confirming your diagnosis and any related treatments. E. Coli is typically diagnosed from a Urine or Stool sample. Please confirm with your medical provider that your illness is linked to E. Coli by asking for the test.
- Know the Timeline: Be aware that there are statutes of limitations that vary by state, which limit the time you have to file a lawsuit to preserve your right to make a claim.
- Contact an attorney. We are currently investigating how many people have been exposed to E. Coli by McDonald’s, how many states where this exposure to e. coli took place, the source of the infection, and the parties responsible. We are preparing a lawsuit. We would appreciate hearing your story.
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