At Least 75 People Sickened as Deadly McDonald's E. Coli Outbreak Expands
What is happening?
At least 75 people have been sickened in a deadly E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's restaurants in Michigan, according to the state's health department. Four people have been hospitalized, and one person has died.
The outbreak is the largest E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's in the United States in more than a decade. The last major outbreak occurred in 2007, when over 70 people were sickened in Wisconsin.
The E. coli strain in the current outbreak is a particularly dangerous strain that can cause severe illness, including kidney failure and death. Symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
What is McDonald's doing?
McDonald's has issued a statement saying that the company is cooperating with health officials and taking steps to ensure the safety of its food.
The company has closed all of its restaurants in the affected area and is working to identify the source of the outbreak. McDonald's has also implemented a number of new food safety measures, including:
- Increasing the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing surfaces
- Retraining employees on food safety procedures
- Working with suppliers to ensure that food is safe
What are the health risks?
E. coli infection can be a serious illness, and it can even be fatal in some cases. Symptoms of E. coli infection include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Bloody stools
- Kidney failure
- Death
Anyone who experiences these symptoms should see a doctor immediately.
What can you do to protect yourself?
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from E. coli infection, including:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom
- Cook meat thoroughly
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them
- Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk
If you have any questions about E. coli infection, please contact your doctor or local health department.
Conclusion
The E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's restaurants in Michigan is a serious public health concern. Anyone who experiences symptoms of E. coli infection should see a doctor immediately.
McDonald's is cooperating with health officials and taking steps to ensure the safety of its food. However, it is important for consumers to be aware of the risks of E. coli infection and to take steps to protect themselves.
