McDonald’s Quarter Pounders linked to E. Coli outbreak. See if Texas is affected

An E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s restaurants hasn’t affected Texas yet, but it could be near.

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the E. coli outbreak is linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers.

The CDC said there are 49 cases, 10 hospitalizations, and one death. The cases are linked to 10 states.

Here is what to know about the outbreak.

Where is the McDonalds outbreak linked to?

The CDC’s map shows the 10 states where the E. coli outbreak is linked. The CDC said the investigation should be swift.

Most of the affected individuals reported eating Quarter Pounder hamburgers from McDonald’s. According to the CDC, investigators are working to identify the contaminated ingredient. McDonald’s has removed fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties from their menu, and the burgers will not be available for sale in some states.

Here is a map of where the outbreak cases are linked.

What is E. coli?

According to MayoClinc.org, Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless or just cause relatively brief diarrhea. But a few strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

Exposure to E. coli comes from contaminated water or undercooked food. Here are some symptoms:

• Diarrhea, which can range from mild and watery to severe and bloody

• Stomach cramping, pain or tenderness

• Nausea and vomiting in some people

The timing of the Illness varies. You may become ill anywhere from one day one day after exposure to more than a week later.

US states where Quarter Pounder sales have been suspended

McDonald’s said in a statement that Quarter Pounders have been pulled from restaurants across the following states:

• Colorado

• Kansas

• Utah

• Wyoming

It has also been removed in portions of:

• Idaho

• Iowa

• Missouri

• Montana

• Nebraska

• Nevada

• New Mexico

• Oklahoma

— USA TODAY Network contributed to this report

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: McDonald’s E. coli outbreak linked to burgers. Are any cases in Texas?