McDonald's Salads Linked To Parasitic Infections In Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Dozens of cases of an intestinal illness caused by a parasite have been reported across Illinois, and an initial investigation suggests a link to eating McDonald's salads, state health officials announced Thursday. The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed about 90 cases of cyclosporiasis, which is caused by the microscopic cyclospora parasite. About a quarter of those of those infected in the state recalled eating salads from McDonald's in the days before becoming ill.

“Although a link has been made to salads sold in McDonald’s restaurants in some Illinois cases, public health officials continue to investigate other sources,” said Nirav Shah, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “If you ate a salad from McDonald’s since mid-May and developed diarrhea and fatigue, contact a health care provider about testing and treatment.”

The fast food chain is fully cooperating with the state health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration investigation, according to an IDPH release, which noted a similar uptick in cyclosporiasis cases in Iowa. McDonald’s said it is in the process of removing certain salads from its restaurants and distributions centers and replacing them with salads from other suppliers.

Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure, although some people who are infected may not have any, according to IDPH. It can be treated with specific antibiotics, and if left untreated symptoms may last up to a month, or even longer.

The cyclospora parasite is not spread directly from person to person, but humans can become infected by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with feces containing it. Previous cases have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, according to the release, including raspberries, basil, snow peas, and lettuce.

Symptoms can include the following:

• Frequent bouts of watery diarrhea, which is the most common symptom
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Cramping, bloating, and/or increased gas
• Nausea, with vomiting (less common)
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever

UPDATE: IDPH reported 206 cases of cyclosporiasis in counties across Illinois as of July 18, and 80 of those people reported eating salads from McDonald's in the days before becoming ill.