(KKTV) – The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a food safety alert Tuesday regarding an outbreak of E. coli infections linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.

The alert says 49 people from 10 states have become ill due to this outbreak, including 27 from Colorado and nine from Nebraska. At least 10 people have been hospitalized and “one elderly person” in Colorado has died, according to the CDC.

“All respondents reported eating at McDonald’s before their illness began, and specifically mentioned eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger,” the alert reads. “The specific ingredient linked to the illness has not yet been identified, but investigators are focusing on two ingredients in particular: fresh sliced ​​onions and fresh beef patties.”

The CDC adds that McDonald’s reported to the CDC that it “proactively” removed sliced ​​onions and beef patties used for Quarter Pounder hamburgers from stores in affected states.

The investigation is ongoing.

“If you have serious symptoms of E.coli infection after eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger at McDonald’s, seek health care and tell your provider what you ate,” the alert adds.

E.coli Symptoms:

• Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing viruses E.coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
• Symptoms usually begin 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria.
• Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.
• Some people may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and will need to be hospitalized.
• For more information about E.colisee the About Escherichia coli Infection.

If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.

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