MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – Mesa County Public Health reported Wednesday that several of Colorado’s 26 E. coli outbreaks have been located here with one person possibly dying in connection to the outbreak.
MCPH said in the press release that although the source of contamination is being investigated, the Food and Drug Administration believes the onions in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder are the source of the outbreak. McDonald’s has since removed the item from their menu in Colorado and other states.
According to MCPH, the fresh-silvered onions are mainly used on Quarter Pounders. However, the USDA is looking into the item’s beef patties as well.
Public health is currently working with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on this issue. Epidemiologists are conducting interviews with residents who have tested positive for E. coli, learning where and what they ate and if they know anyone else who’s sick.
CDPHE said the Mesa County resident who died was in their 80s and had other medical issues.
Investigations are also being conducted at specific restaurants and working with management to make sure safety protocols are being followed, the release said.
“We have local experts on hand with an efficient system in place to handle these situations. This helps with the speed of investigations to help prevent additional people from becoming sick,” Mesa County Public Health Deputy Director Erin Minnerath said in the release. “The system remains in place for residents in Mesa County to have food that’s safe to eat.”
E. coli symptoms include mild non-bloody or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. The illness signs usually begin three to four days after exposure but can begin between one to 10 days, according to public health.
MCPH suggests that if consumers believe they were exposed to the virus, they should:
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Reach out to their health care provider, if they are experiencing symptoms.
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Not prepare food for others while experiencing diarrhea.
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Practice good hand hygiene.
Public health said this is an active investigation and more cases might come forth.
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