E. coli cases linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders rises to 75, federal agencies say

CDC and USDA investigating outbreak in Michigan, 8 states report illnesses

The number of E. coli cases linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders has risen to 75, according to federal agencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O26 infections that has been linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders eaten at restaurants in Michigan. Illnesses have been reported in eight states, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Symptoms of E. coli infection

Symptoms of E. coli infection can include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, fever, and fatigue. In some cases, E. coli infection can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and even death.

What to do if you think you have E. coli infection

If you think you may have E. coli infection, it is important to see a doctor right away. Treatment for E. coli infection typically involves antibiotics and supportive care. Most people recover from E. coli infection within a few days, but some people may experience long-term complications.

How to prevent E. coli infection

There are a number of things you can do to prevent E. coli infection, including:

• Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or handling raw meat or poultry.
• Cooking meat and poultry thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria.
• Avoiding unpasteurized milk and juice.
• Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
• Not swallowing water when swimming in lakes, rivers, or ponds.

More information about E. coli infection

For more information about E. coli infection, please visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/index.html