WA resident among 75 people sickened by McDonald's E. coli outbreak

WASHINGTON - A deadly outbreak of E. coli tied to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has expanded, with at least 75 people sick in 13 states, federal health officials said Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously reported a person in Washington state being sickened. However, the Washington State Department of Health later confirmed that the Washington resident who got sick was likely exposed after eating at a McDonald's in Colorado.

Twenty-two people have been hospitalized, the CDC said. Two people developed a dangerous kidney disease complication, and one person died.

No source of the outbreak has been identified, officials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said. But investigators have focused on slivered onions used on the burgers, as well as beef patties.

McDonald’s officials have said that a California-based produce grower, Taylor Farms, supplied yellow onions that have been recalled for possible E. coli contamination. McDonald’s pulled the burger from menus in several states on Tuesday when the outbreak was announced.

Symptoms and recommendations

According to the CDC, E. coli infection symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting, typically appearing 3 to 4 days after exposure. The CDC urges anyone who has eaten a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and is experiencing severe symptoms — like high fever, persistent diarrhea or dehydration — to contact their healthcare provider immediately.

In severe cases, E. coli can lead to a serious kidney condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, which may require hospitalization.

What is McDonald's doing?

McDonald’s has stopped the use of fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties while the investigation is ongoing. The company is taking a proactive stance to protect its customers, stating that fresh slivered onions are primarily used on Quarter Pounders and not on other menu items, reducing the risk of broader contamination.

For more information on E. coli, symptoms, and outbreak updates, visit the CDC’s E. coli questions and answers page.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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