The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned Tuesday of a “ fast-moving ” E. coli outbreak stemming from McDonald’s famed quarter pounders.
In the center’s ongoing investigation opened Tuesday, 49 cases, 10 hospitalizations, and one death have been documented across 10 states. The states include Oregon, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, although the CDC notes other states could be affected. Colorado has the highest number of infected individuals, totaling 26. One child has been hospitalized with complications from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), affecting the kidneys, according to TODAY.
“Most people in this outbreak are reporting eating the Quarter Pounder hamburger at McDonald’s before becoming sick. It is not yet known which specific food ingredient is contaminated,” the CDC writes in their warning.
McDonalds , which has 14,000 restaurants across the U.S. , responded to health officials saying they have temporarily stopped selling slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties in some states as the investigation continues.