According to the FDA’s Outbreak Investigation Table, a new cyclospora outbreak has sickened at least 32 people. The investigation is active, and traceback, sample collection, and analysis has been initiated. No product has been identified yet. This outbreak is just one identified common group of infections. The CDC is currently investigating over 200 cases of Cyclospora in 22 states.
Cyclospora Recalls
Currently, there is one recall of fresh produce for possible cyclospora contamination: Dole fresh blueberries. So far, no illnesses have been linked to that recalled product.
Every summer since 2013, cyclospora outbreaks in the United States have sickened hundreds of people. Previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce such as basil, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and bagged prewashed salad mixes. For instance, last year, a cyclospora outbreak that was linked to Fresh Express salad containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots sickened at least 701 people in 14 states.
In 2019, a cyclospora outbreak that was linked to fresh basil imported from Mexico by Siga Logistics de RL de CV sickened 241 people. An outbreak at Cooper’s Hawk restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida sickened 80 to 100 people. And at least 90 people contracted cyclosporiasis in New York City that summer. Those last two outbreaks were not solved.
In 2018, a Cyclospora outbreak that was linked to Fresh Express salad mix sold at McDonald’s restaurants sickened 511 people in 16 states. And 250 people in 4 states contracted cyclosporiasis after eating pre packaged vegetable trays produced by Del Monte Fresh Produce and sold at Kwik Trip stores in the upper midwest.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic single celled parasite that is endemic to tropical regions around the globe. Illnesses in this country used to be limited to people who had traveled to those regions, but the parasite now commonly sickens Americans who never leave the country. Fresh produce, whether it’s imported or not, is contaminated with this pathogen every year.
The parasite is deposited on produce in the field through human feces. The oocyst must develop, or sporulate, outside the human body before it becomes infectious. When someone eats produce contaminated with the pathogen, it invades the epithelium in the gut, replicates, and is excreted in stool. It then enters the environment, become infectious in one to two weeks, and the cycle begins again.
Cyclospora Symptoms
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by this parasite, include explosive and unpredictable diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, headache, fever, and bloating. If not treated, this infection can last for months and be debilitating. If you have been experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor. You may be part of this new cyclospora outbreak.
Cyclospora Lawsuit
If you have been diagnosed with a cyclospora infection, contact our cyclospora legal team today for a free consultation. You may be able to collect money damages for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Pritzker Hageman food safety lawyers have represented more cyclospora clients than any other law firm in the country. We have won millions of dollars for people sickened in cyclospora outbreaks.
Contact the Pritzker Hageman Cyclospora Legal Team
Phone: 1-888-377-8900 | Text: 1-612-261-0856
Contact our Cyclospora Outbreak Lawyers