Health officials are investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to burgers Quarter Pounder (Quarter Pounder) from McDonald’s in several states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Tuesday. It is not yet known what ingredient in the burger is making people sick.
At least 49 people in 10 states have fallen ill in the outbreak. One person, an older adult in Colorado, has died. Ten people have been hospitalized.
McDonald’s is working with public health officials to determine which ingredient is contaminated, according to the CDC. The fast food chain has stopped using fresh sliced onions and quarter-pound beef patties in several states, the agency detailed.
The first case occurred on September 27. The CDC noted that recent illnesses may not have been reported yet since “it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine whether 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.
