Key Update

A nationwide Cyclospora outbreak has sickened nearly 7,000 people across the United States, making it one of the country’s largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,645 laboratory cases, while investigators are reviewing more than 5,100 additional suspected cases.

The outbreak has spread across 34 states, with Michigan reporting the highest number of infections. Since the first illnesses emerged in May, 141 people have been hospitalised. Health officials have reported no deaths but expect additional cases through August.

Fresh Produce Under Investigation

Health officials suspect that lettuce and other salad greens may have contributed to the outbreak. However, investigators have not identified a specific food item, supplier, retailer, or restaurant responsible for the illnesses.

Dr Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, said authorities have not ruled out other food items and have yet to determine the exact source of contamination. Meanwhile, the CDC and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to investigate multiple outbreak clusters.

After interviewing more than 1,000 affected individuals in Michigan, investigators identified lettuce and salad greens as potential sources. They also believe that at least 400 cases reported in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia may be linked as part of a multistate outbreak. So far, authorities have not issued any food recalls.

Cyclospora Spreads Through Contaminated Food and Water

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness transmitted through food or water contaminated with human faeces. Fresh produce can become contaminated during growing, harvesting, processing, or handling if proper hygiene and sanitation practices are not maintained.

Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after exposure and commonly include prolonged watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, bloating, fatigue, body aches, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Without prompt treatment, the illness can persist for several weeks or even months.

Previous Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to leafy greens, bagged salads, lettuce, basil, cilantro, raspberries, green onions, snow peas, and fresh fruit mixes.

CDC Urges Safe Food Practices

The CDC advises consumers to wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean running water and maintain good hand hygiene before handling food. However, officials caution that washing alone may not completely remove Cyclospora from contaminated produce.

Peeling fruits and vegetables after washing may help reduce the risk, while thorough cooking remains the most effective way to destroy the parasite before consumption. Health authorities continue to trace the source of contamination as they work to prevent additional illnesses.

Source: Mathrubhumi

NBC News