Local News
E. Coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders leaves at least 1 dead, 10 hospitalized, and 49 cases
A tragic case of E. coli infection has resulted in the death of a man in Colorado, prompting a widespread investigation by health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Tuesday that 49 people across ten states have been sickened by the same strain of E. coli. All affected individuals reported consuming McDonald’s products, with the majority specifically mentioning the popular Quarter Pounder.
While the exact contaminated ingredient has not been definitively identified, investigators are focusing on the slivered onions and beef patty, which have been removed from stores in the affected states.
One child has been hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney infection that can develop in up to one in seven E. coli patients.
Colorado has the highest number of reported cases with 27, followed by Nebraska with nine. Other states with confirmed cases include Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Montana, and Oregon.
E. coli bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and deer. While most strains are harmless, some can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. The bacteria can be transmitted through contaminated food and water.
E. coli infections affect approximately 95,000 Americans annually, leading to the deaths of around 100 people. Symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhea, fever above 102°F, vomiting, and signs of dehydration.
The CDC advises individuals who have consumed a Quarter Pounder at McDonald’s and experienced severe E. coli symptoms to seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider of their dietary history.
HUS, which affected the hospitalized child, affects approximately 200 to 300 Americans per year and results in fatalities in less than one in twenty cases. Symptoms of HUS include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and vomiting.
St. Louis, MO — A family is mourning the loss of 6-year-old Lailah Austin, who tragically drowned while attending a party at the Element St. Louis Midtown Hotel on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to the hotel, located in the 3700 block of Forest Park Avenue, around 8:30 p.m. after receiving a report from hotel staff who discovered the child unresponsive in the indoor pool.
Emergency responders rushed Lailah to a nearby hospital, where she was listed in critical, unstable condition.
Despite medical efforts, Lailah succumbed to her injuries and passed away on Monday, January 20.
Her family is heartbroken, especially as they were preparing to celebrate her upcoming 7th birthday this Sunday.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has classified the incident as an “accidental injury” and has assigned its Child Abuse Unit to lead the investigation. Authorities have not released additional details at this time.
The tragic incident remains under investigation, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Lailah’s family, friends, and the community are rallying together to remember the young girl and support her loved ones during this difficult time.