What Is E Coli Infection Linked to McDonald’s? All About Its Symptoms, Transmission and Treatment
E. coli infections linked to McDonald's have raised concerns, with symptoms including severe stomach cramps and diarrhea. Transmission occurs through contaminated food or water, and treatment focuses on hydration and rest.
Mumbai, October 23: Reports indicate an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers, with numerous individuals falling ill after consumption. The specific contaminated food ingredient has yet to be identified. McDonald's is actively working with investigation partners to determine which ingredient in the Quarter Pounder is responsible for the illnesses.
Quarter-pound hamburgers will be temporarily unavailable in certain states as investigators work to identify the ingredient causing illness among consumers and whether it has affected other restaurants or stores. McDonald's has informed the CDC that it has ceased using fresh slivered onions and Quarter-Pound beef patties in several locations while the investigation is ongoing. McDonald's Quarter Pounder Hamburgers Behind Deadly E Coli Outbreak in 10 US States; Company's Share Prices Fall Sharply After CDC Statement.
What Is E Coli or Escherichia Coli Infection?
According to a report by Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, E. coli are bacteria found in various places, including the environment, food, water, and the intestines of people and animals. While most E. coli are harmless and help us digest food, produce vitamins, and protect against harmful germs, some can cause illnesses such as diarrhoea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and sepsis. What Is E.coli Outbreak in UK? From Symptoms to Causes and Treatment, Know All About the Bacterial Infection That Can Cause 'Severe Bloody Diarrhoea'.
What Are the Symptoms Of E -Coli Infection?
Symptoms for e-coli usually appear about 3 to 4 days after ingesting the bacteria. Most individuals recover on their own within 5 to 7 days without needing treatment. People infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli often have intense stomach cramps, diarrhoea (which can be bloody), and vomiting. However, some may experience severe kidney issues, known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which could require hospitalisation.
How to Prevent E-Coli?
To prevent E. coli infections, follow these four simple food safety steps: clean, separate, cook, and chill. Always ensure you drink safe water; at home, this may be as easy as using tap water, but additional steps may be necessary in certain situations. When camping, hiking, or travelling, always use safe water for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth. Treat or purify water using appropriate methods. While swimming in lakes, ponds, or pools, avoid swallowing water. Additionally, choose pasteurized milk and juices, as pasteurization kills harmful germs like E. coli. Always look for "pasteurized" on the label when shopping; if you're unsure, it's best not to buy it.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2024 08:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).