Cyclospora Outbreak

The victim count has now risen to 285 in 11 states from a parasitic infection of Cyclospora cayetanensis. While the cluster of illnesses is mainly in the mid-western states, people from CT and NJ have been affected as well.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has narrowed down the suspected source of the contaminated produce, they have yet to prematurely release the information do to the fear of potential financial loss to the segment of the produce industry that is implicated, yet has no direct association with the present outbreak. A few years back, American tomato farmers lost millions of dollars due to an E-coli outbreak, when in reality the infected tomatoes came from Mexico.

Cyclospora was first discovered in 1977, the first outbreak in the U.S was in 1990, is usually attributed to contaminated water from fecal matter that is transferred to food. Strawberries, raspberries and other fresh produce have been the source in past as well as infected individuals who have spread the illness. The onset time for symptoms (explosive diarrhea, cramps, low grade fever and nausea) is usually a within a week and if left untreated can persist for six weeks.

Consumers should always properly wash their produce before preparation, use good sanitation, personal hygiene (Handwashing) and purchase foods from a reputable supplier.

For more information about food safety, please visit:  foodsafetystories.com

Dave Walpuck CP-FS