McDonald's Quarter Pounders Linked to E. Coli Outbreak Leaves 1 Dead: See Case Map

What Happened?

Health officials have linked an E. coli outbreak to McDonald's Quarter Pounders, resulting in one fatality and multiple illnesses across several states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the outbreak and advises consumers to avoid eating Quarter Pounders from the affected restaurants.

The outbreak has been traced to a specific supplier of ground beef used in the Quarter Pounders. McDonald's has temporarily stopped serving Quarter Pounders at the affected restaurants and is working with the supplier to identify the source of the contamination.

Symptoms of E. Coli Infection

Symptoms of E. coli infection can include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

In severe cases, E. coli infection can lead to kidney failure, neurological problems, or even death.

Affected Restaurants

The following McDonald's restaurants have been linked to the E. coli outbreak:

• Restaurants in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Illinois

A detailed case map is available on the CDC website.

What to Do If You've Eaten a Quarter Pounder

If you've eaten a Quarter Pounder from an affected restaurant and are experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection, seek medical attention immediately.

You can also report your illness to the CDC by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or visiting their website.

Prevention Tips

To prevent E. coli infection, follow these tips:

• Cook ground beef thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, or eggs.
• Drink only pasteurized milk and juice.