McDonald's E. Coli Map Shows Where Quarter Pounder is Making People Sick

Ten people have been hospitalized and one elderly individual in Colorado has died following E. coli infections linked to McDonald's quarter pounder hamburgers, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on Tuesday.

McDonald's shares dropped 9.2% after hours in light of the news.The CDC alert states that 49 people from 10 states have fallen ill due to this outbreak, with 26 cases reported in Colorado and nine in Nebraska.

"Everyone interviewed has reported eating at McDonald's before their illness started, and most specifically mentioned eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger," the CDC's statement reads. "The specific ingredient linked to illness has not yet been identified, but investigators are focused on two ingredients in particular: fresh, slivered onions, and fresh beef patties."

In response, McDonald's has proactively removed the slivered onions and beef patties used for quarter pounder hamburgers from stores in the affected states while the investigation continues, the company informed the CDC.

According to the CDC's statement, quarter pounders may be temporarily unavailable in some states.

The investigation is ongoing.

"If you have severe symptoms of E. coli infection after eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger at McDonald's, seek health care and tell your provider about what you ate," the alert adds.

Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a type of bacteria that is found in the intestines of humans and animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless and play a crucial role in the digestive tract by helping break down food and produce certain vitamins. However, some strains can cause illness.

The CDC noted that symptoms of E. coli include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and occasionally a fever.

"Most people get better within 5 to 7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening," the CDC wrote.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

The sun shines on the yellow Golden Arches logo of the fast food restaurant McDonald's near Saint Austell, on August 14, 2024 in Cornwall, England. The CDC announced an outbreak of E. coli on Tuesday,... Matt Cardy/Getty Images