AURN News) — Federal health officials are investigating a multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders that has sickened 49 people, hospitalized 10, and resulted in one death, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Wednesday. The outbreak, first identified on October 22, has prompted McDonald's to temporarily halt the use of slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties at restaurants across multiple states while investigators work to identify the specific contaminated ingredient.

According to the CDC, the restaurant chain has removed these ingredients from locations in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The majority of illnesses have been reported in Colorado and Nebraska.

The CDC also reports that most affected individuals fell ill after consuming Quarter Pounder hamburgers, though investigators have not yet determined which specific ingredient is responsible for the contamination. "McDonald's is collaborating with investigation partners to determine what food ingredient in Quarter Pounders is making people sick," the CDC said.

CDC officials advise seeking medical attention for severe E. coli symptoms, including diarrhea, fever above 102 degrees, vomiting, and signs of dehydration. E. coli symptoms typically appear three to four days after exposure, with most people recovering without treatment within five to seven days.

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