The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an outbreak of 49 cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in 10 states. Currently, nine cases have been identified in the following Nebraska public health regions: Lincoln-Lancaster County, Douglas County, and Sarpy-Cass. Initial investigations have potentially linked the outbreak to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is working closely with the CDC, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and local health departments in Nebraska to communicate with patients and identify other potential cases.
The CDC is not advising against eating McDonald’s food. Potentially contaminated items have been removed from the menu in affected states.
STEC can be spread through undercooked meat, raw milk, unpasteurized juices, contaminated water, and fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated with feces.
After being exposed to STEC, symptoms usually occur after three to four days but could take as little as one day and as long as 10 days. STEC infections can make individuals of all ages sick. In some cases, especially in young kids, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems, STEC can cause a serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure and other health problems, including death.
Signs of HUS include little or no urination, losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids, unexplained bruising or rash of tiny red spots, blood in urine, and decreased alertness.