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Wisconsin resident of E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s
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Wisconsin resident of E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s

An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s quarter-pounder beef patties has sickened at least one Wisconsin resident, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday.

The agency announced that at least 49 people have fallen ill in 10 states, with 10 people requiring hospitalization and one death.

It is unclear what part of the state the person lives in or which McDonald’s location had food contaminated with the bacteria. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The CDC said most people report eating the quarter-pounder hamburger at McDonald’s before becoming ill, but it is not yet known which specific food ingredient was contaminated.

McDonald’s has stopped using fresh-cut onions and quarter-pound beef patties in several states, according to a statement from the fast-food giant. As of Tuesday, Wisconsin was not one of those states.

The first reported illness occurred about a month ago and the outbreak widely affected Colorado and surrounding states, but has spread as far west as Oregon and east to Wisconsin, according to the CDC. The reported death involved an older adult and occurred in Colorado, the agency said.

The CDC said it can take three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak and that the number of people infected with the bacteria is likely higher than reported, as some people are treated for illness, but never testing for E. coli.

Most people infected with the bacteria experience severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and high fever. Symptoms usually begin three to four days after ingesting E. coli. Most people recover without treatment after five to seven days. Some people may develop serious kidney problems and require hospitalization.

If you experience symptoms of E. coli after eating a quarter pounder at McDonald’s, contact your health care provider.