Health officials said in a recent update that the number of illnesses caused by the E. coli outbreak has been linked to McDonald’s The number of Quarter Pounders has increased to 104. Of these, 34 people have been admitted to hospital, four have serious kidney problems and one has died.

The outbreak was announced last month, although some cases date back to September, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An NBC News report said both the CDC and McDonald’s have pointed to chopped onions served on Quarter Pounders as a possible source of the outbreak.

McDonald’s said last month that California-based food producer Taylor Farms had supplied onions to the affected restaurants. Taylor Farms recalled its yellow onions on October 22. Fourteen states have been affected by its outbreak. Colorado has reported the most cases (30), followed by Montana (19) and Nebraska (13).

Several lawsuits, including a proposed class action, have been filed against McDonald’s since the outbreak was announced. “Food safety is something we will never compromise on, and we are committed to doing the right thing,” McDonald’s said in an online statement Wednesday.

E. coli bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals and are considered beneficial. However, there are some strains that can cause severe cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. You can be exposed to these strains from contaminated water or food, especially if you eat raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef. Healthy adults usually recover from infection, but young children and older adults are at greater risk of developing life-threatening conditions.

Preventive measures to keep yourself safe

• Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food, after using the toilet, and after contact with animals. This reduces the risk of transferring bacteria from contaminated surfaces.
• Cook food thoroughly: Make sure meat, especially ground beef, is cooked to a safe internal temperature (160°F or 71°C). When food is cooked properly, E. coli can be killed.
• Avoid cross contamination: Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods. Wash utensils and surfaces after contact with raw meat to prevent spreading bacteria to other foods.
• Wash fruits and vegetables: Wash your fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them.
• Drink safe water: Make sure your drinking water is from a safe source. If you’re unsure, boil the water for at least one minute to kill any bacteria.
• Avoid raw milk and unpasteurized products: These may contain harmful bacteria including E.coli. Consume only pasteurized dairy products.

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