Investing.com -- McDonald's Corporation shares declined a further 2% Friday after an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding an E. coli outbreak linked to its popular Quarter Pounder hamburgers.
As of October 25, the CDC reported 75 confirmed cases across 13 states, with illnesses beginning as early as September 27. It represents 26 new cases and three new states.
Among the affected individuals, there have been 12 new hospitalizations and no new deaths.
The CDC noted that the "true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher" than reported due to untested recoveries.
"More illnesses have been reported and everyone interviewed continues to report eating at McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) before their illness started," said the CDC. "The most recent illness started on October 10. Taylor Farms has initiated a voluntary recall of some onions sent to food service operators."
McDonald's stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in several states while an investigation is ongoing to identify the ingredient causing the illness.