A Cyclospora outbreak linked to basil imported from Mexico has sickened 205 people who ate contaminated food in NY, FL, MN, OH and WI, according to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since the last update on July 24, 2019, 73 more illnesses have been reported. A total of five people have been hospitalized.
Those sickened are from 11 states but were exposed to the contaminated food in five states. The cases reported by state of residence are: CT (1), FL (50), GA (2), IA (2), MA (1), MN (33), NY (107), OH (3), RI (1), SC (1), and WI (4). The case-patients, who range in age from 15 to 98 years old, reported illnesses from June 10, 2019 to July 18, 2019.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used records from grocery stores and restaurants to determine that affected locations had a common basil supplier, Siga Logistics de RL de CV of Morelos, Mexico. The company issued a recall at the FDA’s request. This recall prompted Publix to recall Rock Garden organic basil.
The product should no longer be in the food supply. However, consumers and restaurants who have purchased basil imported from Mexico should check recall information carefully as Cyclospora can cause serious illness.
Cyclospora, a parasite native to sub-tropical climates, is excreted in the fecal matter of humans who have an infection. Foods get contaminated when they make contact with this fecal matter.
Symptoms of a Cyclospora infection include diarrhea that is watery and explosive, abdominal cramps, nausea, headache, fatigue, weight loss, and other flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can be treated with antibiotics, without treatment these symptoms can last more than two months.
Our food poisoning attorneys know how debilitating cyclosporiasis symptoms can be. No other law firm has represented more clients in recent large-scale Cyclospora outbreaks. If you have been sickened by basil contaminated withCyclospora, we can help. To request a free consultation, call 1 (888) 377-8900 (toll-free), send a text to 612-261-0856 or complete the form below.