The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said an E. coli outbreak in multiple states is linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.

It’s unknown what specific ingredient in the hamburgers caused people to become sick.

The public health agency has reported 49 cases, 10 hospitalizations, and one death across 10 states.

“McDonald’s has pulled ingredients for these burgers, and they won’t be available for sale in some states,” the CDC stated in a food safety alert.

“McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers are making people sick, with most illnesses in Colorado and Nebraska,” the CDC wrote.

Investigators are trying to confirm which ingredient is making people sick and if it went to other restaurants or stores.

“McDonald’s has stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties in several states to protect their customers while a source of illness is confirmed,” the CDC added.

“The majority of those affected are from Colorado, which has 27 cases, and Nebraska, which has 9. Ten people have been hospitalized, and one older individual in Colorado has died. Additionally, one child is currently hospitalized,” Rawsalerts wrote.

“Everyone interviewed reported eating at McDonald’s before their illness began, with many specifically mentioning having a Quarter Pounder. Following this news, McDonald’s shares have dropped 10% in after-hours trading,” the post added.

Per NBC News:

The first case occurred on Sept. 27. The CDC said that recent illnesses may not have been reported yet as “it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”

Symptoms of E. coli infection include high fever, severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.

Cases have been reported in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

“E. COLI OUTBREAK: CDC is investigating 49 illnesses in 10 states linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. If you ate a Quarter Pounder hamburger from McDonald’s and have severe symptoms of E. coli, contact your healthcare provider,” the CDC stated.

Axios noted:

The CDC’s map shows where the 49 sick people in the outbreak are from.

Colorado has 26 illnesses, while Nebraska has nine. Wyoming and Utah have four cases each, the CDC said.

Oregon, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri each have one case, the map shows.

 

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