[Burger and Fries. Photo Credit to Pxhere]

An E.coli outbreak has sickened at least 75 people across 13 states in the United States, with 22 people hospitalized.

Two patients have developed fatal kidney diseases, and one person has died in Colorado.

While no definitive source of the outbreak has been confirmed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified sliced onions as the likely source of contamination.

Health officials report that symptoms of E. coli infection usually appear within a few days of consuming contaminated food, including stomach cramps, vomiting, and in some cases, bloody diarrhea.

Experts warn that vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly are at higher risk for serious health complications.

The number of cases increased sharply on October 25th, with most cases concentrated in Colorado, which has reported 26 cases.

The outbreak has also affected Montana and Nebraska, reporting 13 and 11 cases respectively, while smaller clusters have appeared in Michigan, Utah, and Missouri.

Most infections have been linked to customers who ate at McDonald’s restaurants in these regions, though a few cases were associated with travel, as customers became ill after dining at McDonald’s in other states.

After the initial cases were identified, McDonald's took swift actions, pulling the Quarter Pounder from select menus across several affected states.

The fast-food chain identified that the onions in question were supplied by Taylor Farms, a California-based producer with facilities across the U.S.

“We have made the decision to stop sourcing onions from Taylor Farms' Colorado Springs facility indefinitely,” McDonald’s said in a statement.

Taylor Farms has since initiated a recall for yellow onions distributed from its Colorado Springs facility, and has alerted all customers to prevent potential exposure.

In a ripple effect, other fast-food restaurants, including Taco Bell and Burger King, have also taken preventive measures by pulling onions from certain menu items.

“At this point, we are just not seeing anything reported in ill people that suggests there’s something going on outside of Quarter Pounders," said CDC spokesperson Matt Wise, regarding whether other ingredients might be involved.

As investigations continue, public health experts warn that the true number of cases may be underreported, as many mild E.coli infections go untested, with patients often recovering without seeking medical attention.

Amid the outbreak, lawsuits have been filed against McDonald's from affected individuals.

One notable case involves a Nebraska resident, Clarissa DeBock, who claims to have fallen ill after consuming a Quarter Pounder on September 18.

DeBock sought medical care on September 23 and was diagnosed with an E. coli infection shortly afterward.

Food safety attorney Ron Simon, who represents DeBock, reports that his firm is handling at least 100 calls daily linked to the outbreak, highlighting the potential for legal ramifications as the investigation unfolds.

Although McDonald's has removed contaminated products from restaurants in 12 states, including high-traffic areas like airports, health officials advise consumers to remain vigilant.

The FDA emphasizes that consumers should be aware of E. coli symptoms and seek medical attention if experiencing severe abdominal pain, fever, or dehydration.

As the CDC and FDA continue their investigations, the rise in cases signals a strong need for proactive measures in food safety and outbreak prevention within the fast-food industry.