CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – According to the CDC, a fast-moving investigation into an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers is underway. Most affected individuals have reported eating Quarter Pounders, and health officials are working to confirm which specific ingredient is contaminated. In response, McDonald’s has pulled fresh slivered onions and Quarter Pounder patties from sale in several states.

At this time, the CDC reports that Virginia is not among the states impacted. However, the agency warns that the true number of cases may be higher than currently reported, as many individuals recover without seeking medical care or testing. Additionally, there may be delays in reporting new cases as it typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to confirm if a sick person is part of the outbreak.

The CDC, FDA, USDA, and public health officials in several states are actively collecting data to investigate the source of this multistate outbreak.