A 15-year-old high school freshman in Colorado, Kamberlyn Bowler, has been hospitalized with kidney failure, a rare complication of E. coli poisoning. She ate McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, which have been linked to an E. coli outbreak affecting at least 75 people in 13 states. The likely source of contamination was slivered onions served on the Quarter Pounders, which have since been removed from the menu. Kamberlyn’s symptoms started with a fever and stomach pain, leading to a severe E. coli infection and renal failure. She has undergone multiple rounds of dialysis and her kidneys are showing signs of functioning again, but the extent of lasting damage is uncertain. Kamberlyn and her mother are planning to sue McDonald’s. Most people infected with E. coli recover within a week, but a small percentage can develop HUS, a potentially life-threatening condition. Dr. Nicole Iovine, chief epidemiologist at UF Health Shands Hospital, noted that pre-existing health conditions can impact recovery. McDonald’s has expressed regret over the outbreak, and its president has vowed to regain customers’ trust. Attorney Ron Simon, representing Kamberlyn and other victims, plans to file lawsuits to investigate the breakdown that led to the outbreak. The experience has been terrifying for Kamberlyn’s mother, who emphasizes the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
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