BEATRICE – Of the nine E-Coli cases identified in Nebraska, public health regions where the cases were detected include  Lincoln-Lancaster County, Douglas County, and Sarpy-Cass. Initial investigations have potentially linked the outbreak to McDonald's Quarter Pounders.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is working closely with the CDC, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration and local health departments.

The CDC is not advising against eating McDonald's food. Potentially contaminated items have been removed from the menu in affected states.

The toxin involved can be spread through undercooked meat, raw milk, unpasteurized juices, contaminated water, and fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated with feces.

Such infections can make individuals of all ages sick. In some cases, exposure can lead to kidney failure and other health problems, including death.

If you become ill with diarrhea or vomiting and a fever higher than 102°F after eating at McDonald's, contact your primary care provider immediately.

For those without a primary care provider, please call your Local Health Department , or the Nebraska DHHS Office of Epidemiology.