THE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States reported that the famous McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Burger is linked to an E.coli outbreak that has so far disappeared at least 49 cases, 10 people hospitalized and one death.
He epidemic It is said to have spread to 10 states but the most affected are Colorado (with 26 cases) and Nebraska. Among the 10 people hospitalized highlights that of a child with complications derived from hemolytic uremic syndrome, a syndrome that damages small blood vessels and can cause fatal clots. The deceased person was Coloradoelderly people suffering from underlying pathologies.
THE fast food franchise stocks They began to fall by more than 5% in trading after the stock market closed on Tuesday, as soon as the epidemic was announced. According to Citigroup analyst Jon Tower: “Negative news regarding food safety is never welcomed by restaurateurs, especially those working to improve the brand image after falling out of favor in the face of consumer affordability in the United States in recent years.”
McDonald’s makes sure he takes “rapid and decisive measures” to control the epidemic. He has already removed the Quarter Pounder from restaurants in affected areas and ordered all local restaurants to cut off supplies of the sliced onions he identified as the culprit.
“We work closely with our suppliers to replenish the Quarter Pounder supply in the coming weeks,” the company said in a statement. The company has removed the Quarter Pounder from restaurants in Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, as well as some Parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma also said some of the infections could come from a. single onion supplier serving three distribution centers.
According to the CDCthe actual number of infected people is likely much higher than currently known and will affect other states. Indeed, many people recover without undergoing tests. The number of cases could also continue to rise because it takes three to four weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an outbreak, the agency said.
Characteristics of E. Coli
E. coli is a Gram-negative bacteria bacillus-shaped. It belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family and is capable of surviving in various environments, although its main habitat is the gastrointestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. Most of Strains of E. coli They cause no harm and play an important role in digestive health. However, certain pathogenic strains can cause serious infections.
Transmission of E.Coli
E.coli It can be transmitted in various ways, but mainly in three:
- Contaminated food and water: One of the most common modes of transmission is through consumption of raw or undercooked foods, such as beef, unpasteurized milk, and fresh produce contaminated with feces. Contaminated water is also a source of infection.
- Person-to-person contact: Transmission can occur in environments with poor hygiene, such as daycares and nursing homes. Direct contact with infected people, especially those with diarrhea, can spread the bacteria.
- Hospital settings: E. coli can be spread through poorly sterilized medical devices and through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms and illnesses caused by E. Coli
THE E. coli infections They can range from mild symptoms to serious illnesses:
- Gastrointestinal infections: Symptoms include diarrhea (which may be watery or bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, such as E. coli O157 infection, hemolytic uremic syndrome may develop, characterized by acute renal failure, hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
- Urinary tract infections (UTI): E. coli is one of the leading causes of urinary tract infections, especially in women. Symptoms include pain when urinating, frequent urge to urinate, and pain in the lower abdomen. In more severe cases, the infection can travel to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis.
- Systemic infections: In immunocompromised people, E. coli can cause serious infections of the blood (sepsis), lungs (pneumonia), and other parts of the body.
E.coli treatment
Treatment for E. coli infections includes:
- Hydration: In case of diarrhea, it is essential to maintain good hydration to avoid dehydration.
- Antibiotics: They are not always necessary and their use should be carefully evaluated by a doctor, because in certain infections, such as those caused by E. coli O157, antibiotics can make the situation worse.
- Intensive medical care: In severe cases, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, hospitalization may be necessary for specialized treatment.
