An outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers has sickened at least 49 people across 10 states, with one reported death in Colorado and 10 hospitalisations, according to federal health officials.
The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the infections occurred between September 27 and October 11, affecting states including Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and several others.
Most of those affected had eaten at McDonald's before falling ill, particularly mentioning Quarter Pounder burgers. The specific ingredient causing the outbreak has not yet been identified, but investigators are focusing on onions and beef used in the burgers.
As a precautionary step, McDonald's has temporarily removed slivered onions and beef patties used for the Quarter Pounders from stores in the impacted states, potentially making the item unavailable in those areas.
The *E. coli* strain involved, O157:H7, is particularly dangerous, causing symptoms like fever, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhea. It can lead to severe complications, especially in children, such as acute kidney failure. The CDC advises those who experience symptoms of *E. coli* poisoning to seek immediate medical care.
McDonald's has not yet commented on the outbreak. The company's shares dropped by 9% in after-hours trading following the CDC's announcement.
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