Nine cases reported in McDonald's E. coli outbreak in Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Nine of the Nebraska cases of E. coli linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders were reported in three health districts in the eastern part of the state.

The Nebraska Department of Health said in an update Tuesday that the nine cases of E. coli were traced to the following health regions:

• Lincoln-Lancaster County
• Douglas County
• Sarpy Cass

A total of 49 cases — about half of them, including one fatality, in Colorado — have been confirmed in 10 states. Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Wisconsin were among the states that reported a single case.

The Douglas County Health Department confirmed Tuesday that three cases have been reported in the Omaha metro in adults ages 22 to 75 — but said there are likely additional cases that have not yet been reported.

“We urge the public to contact their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms and are concerned about possible exposure,” Justin Frederick, deputy director of the Douglas County Health Department, said in a news release.

Local and state health officials have said the CDC does not advise against eating at McDonald's and noted that potentially contaminated items have been removed.

McDonald's said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that the illnesses were traced to chopped onions from a single source that supplies three distribution centers. The company has also removed the Quarter Pounder from the menu in affected areas for the time being.

“All other menu items, including other beef products (including Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and Double Cheeseburger), are unaffected and available,” the statement said.

IF YOU FEEL SICK

If you experience diarrhea or vomiting and a fever over 40°C after eating at McDonald's, you should contact your GP immediately. For those who do not have a primary care physician, please call your local health department or the Nebraska DHHS Office of Epidemiology at 402-471-2937.

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Gray Media contributed to this report.

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