E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers

A serious one E.coli The multi-state outbreak has been traced to Quarter Pounder burgers served by McDonald’s.

At least 49 people in 10 states have gotten sick after eating the burgers, the CDC says. Most cases are in Colorado and Nebraska, and have also appeared in Wyoming, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Kansas, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri.

Ten people have been hospitalized across the country and one elderly person in Colorado has died.

The CDC reports that everyone interviewed had eaten at McDonald’s, and specifically that they had recently eaten a Quarter Pounder.

The exact ingredient responsible for illness is not yet known. The CDC focuses its investigation on the fresh onions and beef patties that make up the sandwich.

McDonald’s says it has removed the affected ingredients in affected states while the investigation continues, meaning they may no longer be available for purchase.

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In humans, E.coli can cause severe stomach cramps and bloody or watery diarrhea. Some people may also experience vomiting or fever. Symptoms usually begin three to four days after ingesting the bacteria, and most people usually recover within five to seven days.

The CDC recommends that you call your healthcare provider if you have recently eaten a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and are experiencing symptoms E.coli infection.