Kansas City, Mo. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is coordinating with state and local health authorities to investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157 that has affected 75 individuals across 13 states. Five people have been affected in the local area. As of the latest reports, 22 patients have required hospitalization, and one fatality has occurred. Additionally, one child and one adult are currently receiving treatment for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure.
Preliminary interviews with affected individuals indicate that all reported dining at McDonald's before falling ill. The majority consumed a Quarter Pounder with fresh beef and slivered onions. While the exact source of contamination has not yet been identified, public health officials are conducting thorough investigations to determine the source.
Kansas City Cases Under Investigation
Since September 2024, five confirmed E. coli O157 infection cases have been reported within Kansas City. The affected individuals, ranging in age from 12 to 37, experienced symptoms including severe gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Four of the five patients reported bloody diarrhea, and additional symptoms included nausea and vomiting. Three required hospitalizations for periods ranging from two to seven days. Four of these cases have been linked to the multistate McDonald's outbreak, with each affected person reporting visits to various McDonald's locations before their illness.
E. coli O157 is a particularly severe bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. Infection can result in HUS, especially in young children and older adults, necessitating urgent medical care and, in some cases, dialysis.
Public Health Recommendations
- Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, and fever.
- Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms develop after eating a Quarter Pounder, seek medical care immediately. Inform your healthcare provider of recent meals to assist in diagnosis.
- Practice Food Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom, preparing food, or changing diapers.
- Avoid Food Preparation When Ill: If experiencing diarrhea, refrain from preparing food for others.
The Kansas City Health Department will continue to provide updates as the investigation unfolds. We urge all residents to stay informed and to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms associated with E. coli O157.
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Media with questions may contact April Leonard, Public Information Officer for the Kansas City Health Department at April.Leonard@kcmo.org.
