Food safety experts are raising flags over a foodborne illness outbreak at a popular fast-food restaurant in Arizona. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that a severe outbreak of E. coli has been linked to McDonald's very popular Quarter Pounder burger.

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The outbreak was caused by the E. coli O157:H7 strain, which is a virulent form of the illness. So far, there have been reports of 49 people in 10 states who have been affected by the illness. At the time of this writing, Ten people have been hospitalized, and one person has died.

Most of the cases have been reported in Colorado and Nebraska. Twenty-six cases have hit Colorado alone.

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McDonald's Responds to the E. Coli Outbreak

McDonald's has removed the Quarter Pounder from the menu in Colorado and Nebraska. The company believes the burger's slivered onions are the most likely cause of the outbreak.

READ: Deadly Listeria Outbreak. Recall for Lunch Meat Sold in Arizona 

McDonald's restaurants in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma have temporarily stopped using slivered onions on their Quarter Pounder and beef patties.

A statement from McDonald's reads, "We are working in close partnership with our suppliers to replenish supply for the Quarter Pounder in the coming weeks."

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McDonald's doesn't think any other menu items have been affected, and there are no plans to remove any other items from the menu.

The CDC has been working closely with state and local health departments, as well as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as they continue the investigation of the outbreak.

e coli outbreak at McDonald's sparks concern
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The Symptoms of E. Coli Infection

USDA
When exposed to food poisoning, people often think about the foods they've eaten within the last day or two before the onset of symptoms.

However, symptoms caused by E. coli can appear three to four days after eating contaminated food. Symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.

e coli outbreak at McDonald's sparks concern
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How Many Cases of McDonald's Food Poisoning Were Reported in Arizona?

No cases of illness caused by the McDonald's E. coli outbreak have been reported in Arizona at this time. The CDC cautions consumers that the number of infections is likely higher than reported because most people recover without needing medical care or hospitalization. 

Sources: Time | MSN | CDC | Johns Hopkins Medicine | McDonald's Statement | Food and Drug Administration

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