A Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated produce has sickened more than 100 people in Massachusetts since May 2019. The large number of cases is atypical for the state which reported a total of 33 cases last year, many of those related to travel outside the U.S. Most of this year’s cases have been reported in the greater Boston area.
Cyclospora is a parasite frequently associated with travel outside the U.S. because it is native to sub-tropical climates. But a number Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to produce imported during the summer months. These foods get contaminated when they make contact with human or animal feces containing the parasitic eggs. If the tainted food is ingested, an infection, called cyclosporiasis, develops within two to ten days.
Symptoms of an infection include diarrhea that is profuse and often explosive, abdominal cramps, nausea, headache, fatigue, weight loss, and other flu-like symptoms. If untreated, these symptoms can last more than two months.
Can I sue for Cyclospora? That is a question that our food poisoning attorneys field with increasing frequency. The answer is yes. If you have had a stool sample test that confirms you have a Cyclospora infection and information that links your illness to tainted produce, you can file a lawsuit.
Our law firm has represented more clients in recent large-scale Cyclospora outbreaks than any other firm in the U.S. Our Cyclospora attorneys just filed the first lawsuit in connection with the Cooper’s Hawk Cyclospora outbreak in Jacksonville, FL. and represented the majority of the people sickened in the 2018 outbreaks linked to McDonald’s salad and Del Monte veggie trays.
State health officials in Massachusetts are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine the specific source of the outbreak. Massachusetts residents have been part of three recent multi-state Cyclospora outbreaks. In 2013, an outbreak linked to fresh produce sickened three people. And in 2015 and 2017, outbreaks with an unknown source sickened 12 and 14 people respectively.
If you have been sickened by produce contaminated with Cyclospora and would like a free legal consultation call 1 (888) 377-8900 (toll-free), send a text to 612-261-0856 or complete the form below and put our experienced Cyclospora Team to work for you.