Kansas City child among five local victims in E. coli outbreak

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – E. coli has sickened at least five people, including a 12-year-old child, living in the Kansas City metro, according to health leaders.

The Kansas City Health Department said the victims, who range in age from 12 to 37 years old, experienced symptoms including severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting.

The department said three of the five people diagnosed with E. coli had been hospitalized for up to a week.

According to the Kansas City Health Department, four of the five cases have been linked to the multi-state McDonald’s outbreak.

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The agency said it is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the E. coli outbreak.

So far, 75 people in 13 states, including Missouri and Kansas, have been diagnosed with E. coli. One person has died and another 22 patients have been hospitalized, according to information from the Kansas City Health Department.

Additionally, one child and one adult are being treated for a complication that could lead to kidney failure, according to the CDC.

Health researchers said interviews with the affected people show they all ate at McDonald’s before becoming ill. They also said the majority of people reported eating a Quarter Pounder with fresh beef and chopped onions.

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The CDC is still working to identify the exact source of the E. coli contamination.

Until that happens, the health department is asking people to pay attention to changes in their health:

Check for symptoms: Be alert for symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and fever.
Seek medical attention: If symptoms develop after eating a Quarter Pounder, seek medical attention immediately. Inform your healthcare provider about recent meals to aid in diagnosis.
Practice food hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, preparing food or changing diapers.
Avoid food preparation when you are sick: If you suffer from diarrhea, avoid preparing food for others.