Our lawyers filed the first cyclosporiasis outbreak lawsuit on behalf of a woman who became ill after eating at an Olive Garden restaurant in Texas. Our client is part of the multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections (cyclosporiasis) linked to salad served at Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants. The lawsuit was filed against the owner of Olive Garden and Red Lobster, Darden Corporation of Florida. The FDA has traced back the tainted lettuce salad to Taylor Farms de Mexico.
We will be filing additional lawsuits in a few days. You can contact our lawyers for a free consultation here regarding a lawsuit against a restaurant.
You can sue a restaurant for Cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora infection)
If your case of cyclosporiasis has been linked to eating at a restaurant, you can sue the restaurant, and possibly others, for compensation. In most cases, compensation includes amounts for medical costs, lost wages, physical pain, emotional distress and other lawful damages.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite composed of one cell, too small to be seen without a microscope. Cyclosporiasis is the intestinal infection caused by this parasite.
How is Cyclospora spread to people by food?
Feces (poop) containing Cyclospora gets on food, which is then eaten. The amount of feces can be so little (only microscopic bacterial matter) that it is not visible with the human eye. In a restaurant, the feces may have gotten on the food before the restaurant purchased it or a sick food handler could have gotten feces on the food before serving it. Either way, the restaurant is legally responsible.
In the United States, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, including rasberries, lettuce and basil.
What is the incubation period for Cyclospora infections?
The incubation period for Cyclospora is about 1 week. This means that about a week after eating food contaminated with Cyclospora parasites, the person will start getting sick with symptoms of a Cyclospora infection.
What are the symptoms of Cyclospora infection?
Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted.
How long can the symptoms last and does that affect the amount of money you can seek in a lawsuit?
If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse). It’s common to feel very tired, often so tired that it is hard to work. The length and severity of illness significantly affects the amount of money you can seek in a lawsuit and settlement negotiations. You should contact our lawyers for a free consultation to discuss what your claim is worth.
There is currently an outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the Midwest, most likely associated with a national chain restaurant. Our law firm has been contacted by victims and is actively investigating. This is what we know to date:
- Nebraska has 26 confirmed cases; and
- Iowa has 22 confirmed cases in the following counties: Linn (10 in the Cedar Falls area), Fayette (3), O’Brien (2), Benton (1), Des Moines (1), Mills (1), Polk (1), Van Buren (1).
There may also be cases in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
