CDC issues warning on E coli outbreak from McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburger

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday announced a rapid outbreak of E. coli infections in people who ate McDonald Quarter Pounders in multiple states.

The infections have resulted in the death of at least one older adult, and the hospitalizations of at least 10 individuals, according to CBS News. A total of 49 cases have been reported so far from 10 states, but the majority of the infections were reported in Nebraska and Colorado.

The agency said an investigation into what ingredient has been contaminated is still underway, but that most of the sick customers reported that they were eating the Quarter Pounder when they started feeling unwell. 

"McDonald’s is collaborating with investigation partners to determine what food ingredient in Quarter Pounders is making people sick," the CDC said. "McDonald’s stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties in several states while the investigation is ongoing to identify the ingredient causing illness."

McDonald customers who recently ate a Quarter Pounder in Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon, Wisconsin, or Wyoming, and are feeling unwell should contact their healthcare provider if they are experiencing diarrhea and a high fever of over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrhea lasting more than three days and are not improving, or diarrhea that is bloody, the agency said. 

Other severe symptoms customers should report to their healthcare providers are signs of dehydration such as feeling dizzy when standing, dry mouth and throat, and reduced urination.

The investigation is a joint operation with Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Agriculture, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and other public health officials.

McDonald's has not released a statement on the infections so far.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.