McDonald's burger is linked to E. Coli – what to do if you have symptoms?

• An E. coli outbreak in several states has been linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers.
• 49 people in 10 states have become ill and one person has died.
• Those who ate one and had severe E. coli symptoms should call their doctor, the CDC said.

McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers have been linked to 49 cases of E. coli infections and one death in an outbreak in 10 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said anyone who develops severe E. coli symptoms after eating a Quarter Pounder should call their doctor.

The last case of E. coli linked to the outbreak was recorded on October 11, according to the Food and Drug Administration. According to the CDC, symptoms of an E. coli infection usually appear three to four days after ingesting the bacteria.

According to the CDC, symptoms of a severe E. coli infection include:

• Bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days and does not improve
• A fever over 102°F
• Vomiting and inability to keep down liquids
• Severe stomach cramps
• Signs of dehydration include: feeling dizzy when standing, dry mouth and throat, and not peeing enough

According to the CDC, most people with typical E. coli symptoms recover within five to seven days without medical treatment, but some people may develop severe kidney problems and require hospitalization.

10 people were hospitalized after eating Quarter Pounders

As of Tuesday, the outbreak was linked to 10 hospitalizations, with most illnesses occurring in Colorado and Nebraska, the CDC said.

Public health officials are investigating which ingredient may be causing the outbreak, but initial information from the FDA suggests the onion slices or beef patties used in Quarter Pounders are the likely source of the contamination.

Cesar Piña, McDonald's chief supply chain officer for North America, said in a statement on its website Tuesday that an initial investigation suggests the illnesses may be linked to onion slivers purchased from a single supplier that supplies three distribution centers .

McDonald's has stopped using both beef patties and onion slivers specifically used for the Quarter Pounder. The burger has also been temporarily removed from menus in Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, as well as parts of surrounding states such as Nebraska and Oklahoma.

The FDA said Tuesday that diced onions and other types of beef patties used at McDonald's restaurants were not affected by the E. coli outbreak.

McDonald's stock price fell more than 9% as news of the outbreak spread. John A. Gordon, a chain restaurant analyst, told Business Insider on Tuesday that sales of the Quarter Pounder could be negatively impacted.

McDonald's did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider outside of business hours.

Have you experienced symptoms of E. coli after eating at McDonald's? Contact reporter Serafina Kenny: [email protected].