These are the common symptoms of E.coli to look out for after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linked a deadly outbreak to a McDonald’s burger.
One person has died and 10 have been hospitalized as 49 E.coli cases were confirmed across 10 US states. The majority – 27 cases – were reported in Colorado.
The CDC said ‘most sick people are reported as having eaten Quarter Pounder hamburgers from McDonald’s’. The cases were reported between September 27 and October 11.
E.coli is a bacteria which is commonly found in food, water and the intestines of people and animals.
Most of the sick people affected are reporting as having eaten Quarter Pounder hamburgers from McDonald’s (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains: “Most E.coli are harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract. E.coli help us digest food, produce vitamins, and protect us from harmful germs.”
But some strains can make us seriously unwell. People become infected after swallowing E.coli, which can happen ‘through contaminated food or water or contact with animals, environments, or other people.’
Cleveland Clinic notes that this ‘includes undercooked meat and raw fruits and vegetables that aren’t washed well enough’.
If you’ve contracted E Coli, chances are, you’ll know about it. These are the E.coli symptoms to look out for…
E.coli infections can be fatal (CDC/Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Diarrhea or vomiting
As to be somewhat expected with stomach illnesses, you’ll be struck down with diarrhea or vomiting. Or in some unlucky cases – both. The CDC says these bouts will last for more than two days if you have E.coli.
Diarrhea and vomiting and likely the first obvious E.coli symptoms (Jacob Wackerhausen/Getty Images)
Blood in your poop
On that note, you might discover blood in your diarrhea – or even in your pee.
Mayo Clinic explains that the E.coli strain O157:H7 strain ‘produces a powerful toxin that damages the lining of the small intestine,’ causing blood in your poop.
Blood in the toilet is a cause for concern (Antonio Hugo Photo/Getty Images)
A high fever
As your body raises its temperature in a bid to kill off the bacteria, you’ll feel pretty feverish.
The CDC says to expect a temperature of 102F (38.8C) or above.
You’re bound to feel pretty lousy (Ian Hooton/Science Photo Library)
Dehydration
The CDC warns that diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration. Signs include passing little to no urine, having very dark pee and being extremely thirsty.
Having a dry mouth or throat, feeling dizzy and crying without tears are also indications of dehydration.
You should drink plenty of fluid and consider rehydration sachets like Dioralyte.
Staying hydrated is paramount (Milan Markovic/Getty Images)
Hemolytic uremic syndrome
Certain strains of E Coli can be deadly. Shiga toxin-producing E Coli can trigger hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which can seriously damage the kidneys, leading to permanent health problems or even death.
Signs of HUS include little or no peeing, losing pink color in the cheeks and inside the lower eyelids, unexplained bruising or a rash of tiny red spots. Other symptoms include blood in the urine, feeling very tired, being irritable and decreased alertness.
Certain strains of E Coli can be deadly (Sebastian Kaulitzki/Science Photo Library)
The CDC warns people with suspected HUS should call their doctor or head to the emergency room immediately.
Their website explains: “People with HUS should be hospitalized because their kidneys may stop working and they may develop other serious problems. Most people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent health problems or die.”
UNILAD previously contacted McDonald’s for comment.