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At least 49 people across 10 states have fallen ill due to an E. coli food poisoning outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers, with one individual succumbing to the illness and ten requiring hospitalization, according to federal health officials.

The outbreak is attributed to E. coli O157:H7, a strain of the bacteria known for causing severe illness and potentially fatal complications. Those most at risk include young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The affected individuals range in age from 13 to 88, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Preliminary findings indicate that raw slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounders are the likely source of the E. coli contamination. Although health officials initially scrutinized both the onions and the beef patties, the latter is considered an unlikely cause due to stringent federal testing requirements and McDonald's own cooking protocols designed to eliminate bacterial risks. The onions, however, are served raw, thus presenting a higher contamination risk.

E. coli, a bacterium commonly found in the environment, food, and intestines of humans and animals, can cause rapid onset of symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, often within one or two days of exposure. In severe cases, especially among children under five, the infection can lead to serious kidney injury, necessitating immediate medical intervention.

The CDC reports that approximately 74,000 E. coli O157:H7 infections occur annually in the United States, resulting in over 2,000 hospitalizations and around 61 deaths. While E. coli infections have shown a general decline in 2023, the number of cases involving severe kidney injury has remained stable.

Foodborne illnesses are a significant public health concern, affecting around 48 million Americans each year, with 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 fatalities. Besides E. coli, other pathogens like norovirus, causing up to 21 million cases, Salmonella, causing about 1.3 million cases, and Listeria, accounting for approximately 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths annually, also contribute to the alarming statistics.