Colorado High School Freshman Among 75 Infected in Multi-State Outbreak
In a devastating turn of events, 15-year-old Kamberlyn Bowler of Grand Junction, Colorado, is battling severe kidney failure after consuming what used to be her favorite meal: a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with cheese and extra pickles.
A severe case in growing outbreak
The previously healthy and active high school freshman has become one of at least 75 victims across 13 states in an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. The outbreak has already claimed one life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Not fun,” said Kamberlyn tearfully during a Zoom interview from her hospital room on Monday, describing her harrowing experience. What began as seemingly routine symptoms – fever and stomach pain – quickly escalated into a life-threatening condition.
“We both kind of thought I just had a fever, like just the flu or something — a stomach bug,” Kamberlyn recalled. “But then I started throwing up, having diarrhea, and it was bloody, so it scared me.”
Critical condition and ongoing treatment
After initial medical visits proved inconclusive, Kamberlyn’s condition deteriorated dramatically, leading to an airlift to Children’s Hospital Colorado on October 18. She has been diagnosed with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare but severe kidney complication affecting approximately 2% of E. coli cases.
Corporate response and investigation
McDonald’s has identified slivered onions as the likely source of contamination and has removed them from their menu items. Their supplier, Taylor Farms, has initiated a preemptive recall of yellow onions from their Colorado facility.
“We are sorry,” stated McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger in a recent video address. “For those customers affected, you have my commitment that, led by our values, we will make this right.”
Legal action and broader impact
Ron Simon, a national food poisoning attorney representing Kamberlyn and 32 other victims across 10 states, suggests the outbreak’s scope may be significantly larger than currently reported. “It’s going to be a lot more cases in this outbreak than 75,” he warned, noting that hundreds of potential victims have contacted his office.
Uncertain future
Brittany Randall, Kamberlyn’s mother, faces an uncertain future regarding her daughter’s health. “She went from being super healthy and no issues at all to possibly kidney damage for her whole life,” she shared, emphasizing the sudden and severe nature of the illness.
Dr. Nicole Iovine, chief epidemiologist at UF Health Shands Hospital, while not involved in Kamberlyn’s treatment, noted that the teenager’s previous good health could aid her recovery, though outcomes remain unpredictable in HUS cases.
This outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the potential severity of foodborne illnesses and the critical importance of food safety protocols in the restaurant industry.