### McDonald's Shares Fall After E. coli Outbreak Linked to Quarter Pounder Burgers

McDonald's experienced a significant drop in shares during extended trading hours following an announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency confirmed that an E. coli outbreak, traced back to McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers, has resulted in 10 hospitalizations and one death.

As of the CDC's latest report, the outbreak has affected 49 individuals across 10 states, with the majority of cases occurring in Colorado and Nebraska. The incidents were documented between September 27 and October 11. Notably, most affected individuals reported consuming a Quarter Pounder from the fast-food giant. Among the patients, one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe condition that can lead to kidney failure, while an older adult from Colorado succumbed to the illness.

The health agency emphasized that the actual number of cases could be considerably higher. Many E. coli infections go unreported as individuals often recover without seeking medical treatment or undergoing testing. Public health investigators are currently scrutinizing the ingredients used in the burgers to pinpoint the source of contamination, and McDonald's has proactively removed some ingredients from their supply chain.

As a precaution, Quarter Pounder hamburgers will temporarily not be available in certain states, although the CDC has yet to specify which ones. Following the announcement, McDonald's shares plummeted by around 9% during after-hours trading on Tuesday.

E. coli, a bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals, can become harmful when certain strains are ingested through contaminated food or water. Infected individuals typically experience symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting within three to four days of exposure. Most people recover without medical intervention within five to seven days.