Santa Fe Standard

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is currently investigating five cases of E. coli O157, which may be linked to McDonald's. These cases are part of a larger outbreak affecting multiple states. In New Mexico, all affected individuals reside in Bernalillo County, with one hospitalization reported and no fatalities.

Patrick Allen, NMHealth Secretary, stated, "We’re taking this outbreak seriously and taking part in a multi-state investigation being led by the CDC." The department is collaborating with other states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), and additional organizations to identify the source of the illness.

Most patients involved in this outbreak consumed the Quarter Pounder hamburger at McDonald's prior to falling ill. The specific contaminated ingredient has not yet been identified. As a precautionary measure, McDonald's has ceased using fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties while investigations continue.

E. coli O157 is a strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) known to cause diarrhea that can sometimes be bloody, as well as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. While most individuals recover within 5-7 days without treatment, 5-10% may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that can occur if anti-diarrheal drugs or antibiotics are used.

Medical providers are advised to report suspected STEC cases to NMHealth’s Epidemiology and Response Division at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773), available around the clock.

For further information on this press release or inquiries about it, Robert Nott can be contacted at NMHealth's office.

A Spanish version of this press release is also available for accessibility purposes through the provided link.