Health officials are investigating a severe E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's quarter-pounder hamburgers, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 49 cases across 10 western states, primarily in Colorado and Nebraska. Tragically, one death has been confirmed in Colorado, where over ten individuals have also been hospitalized.

The CDC indicates that the outbreak, which began in September, is associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome, characterized by severe symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Initial findings suggest that slivered onions and beef could be the sources of contamination, prompting the removal of these ingredients from restaurants in affected states.

In response to the outbreak, McDonald's USA Chairman Joe Erlinger emphasized the importance of food safety and announced a temporary halt on the use of slivered onions in quarter-pounders in select states. While many individuals typically recover within five to seven days, doctors caution that serious cases may require hospitalization, and undetected symptoms can potentially lead to death.