The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said one person died and 10 were hospitalized after an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder sandwiches.
Infections were reported between September 27 and October 11 in 10 US states; Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Colorado has had 27 of the 49 cases reported — including the death of an elderly person and a child with severe kidney complications, the CDC said.
The public health agency said the number of illnesses is likely much higher, and recent cases may not have been reported yet, as it typically takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
It’s not known what ingredient makes people sick, but all of the people interviewed in connection with the outbreak reported having eaten at McDonald’s before becoming sick — and most reported eating the famous Quarter Pounder.
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McDonald’s is working with public health officials to identify the contaminated ingredients, and investigators are believed to be focusing on onions and beef.
The fast food chain told the CDC that it has removed the onion slices and beef patties used in its Quarter Pounders from stores in affected states. The burger may be temporarily unavailable in those areas.
Escherichia coli is a group of bacteria found in the intestines of animals. The infection can cause severe illness, including fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
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