New Delhi: In a shocking case in the US states of Colorado and Nebraska, one person died and 49 fell ill after an E.coli outbreak associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak has taken a toll on residents of the two affected states and it is being blamed for the slivered onions used in the burgers as they are reportedly the source of the outbreak, as per the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Following this, McDonald’s suspended sales of the Quarter Pounder in 12 states. The onions in question are also no longer in use as investigations continue whether it was the onions or the hamburger patty itself that is to blame for the E. coli O157 outbreak.
At present, 10 people including one child have been hospitalised and a Colorado resident has passed away as well. Doctors say that the symptoms of E.coli usually appear after 3-4 days of being exposed to the bacteria. However, sometimes it can start sooner or as late as even 10 days. Most patients recover within a week, but sometimes it can result in complications of the kidneys and may require hospitalisation. According to the CDC, it is advised to get medical help in the following cases:
- High fever
- Diarrhoea lasting over 3 days
- Severe vomiting
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
- Less urination
- Dry mouth
While talking about slivering onions, Dr. Shrey Kumar Srivastav, Senior consultant, at Sharda Hospital, said, “Dehydration is a method used to preserve onions, allowing them to be stored for a long time without refrigeration. This process removes moisture, making onions shelf-stable and concentrated. But in some cases, patients can complain of debilitating symptoms such as:
- Abdominal Bloating
- Acid reflux
- Allergic Reactions: Those who have onion allergies
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