Multistate Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Affects Nine States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on Friday that a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis has now reached nine states, prompting heightened concern among health officials.
Expanding Links to Various States
Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania have reported outbreaks that are now connected to a rash of cases in severely impacted Michigan, as well as Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Understanding the Scope of the Outbreak
While this development does not necessarily indicate an accelerating trend in cases, it does offer a clearer perspective on the unusually high number of cyclosporiasis cases recorded this summer. “We are beginning to have more complete case data covering the scope of the outbreak,” remarked Gwen Biggerstaff, CDC’s deputy director for foodborne, waterborne, and environmental diseases. “Each state has completed interviews with people, and we are entering the data.”
Confirmed Cases and Possible Sources
As of now, the CDC has verified 1,947 cases across these nine states. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico as the likely source, leading to a voluntary recall of the product from the U.S. market.
Monitoring the Situation
“We know that it has infected many states and many points of sale,” stated Kari Irvin, deputy director of the FDA’s Coordinating Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network. Irvin emphasized the importance of the CDC’s confirmed case numbers “because it helps us know whether there are enough recalls and whether we have recalled all the products that need to be removed from the market.”
Linkages Through Consumer Reports
Investigators uncovered connections to the Taylor Farms incident during interviews with affected individuals, many of whom reported dining at Taco Bell in June, prior to the outbreak’s spread. The chain preemptively removed lettuce from its menu prior to the recall.
Ongoing Investigations
Irvin indicated that FDA investigators are exploring whether other growers might be involved. “The data we currently have continues to reliably identify producers that have already been identified,” she noted. The outbreak, first highlighted by The Washington Post, has since expanded to include additional states.
Nature of Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness caused by a parasite that thrives on fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and is notoriously difficult to wash away. The parasite, known as Cyclospora, is transmitted via water contaminated with human feces.
Nationwide Impact and Continued Reports
The Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce may not be the sole contributor to the outbreak. Current estimates from the CDC and state health departments indicate approximately 12,000 confirmed or suspected cases nationwide. Michigan has been particularly hard-hit, with nearly 8,000 cases. The CDC is dispatching three staff members to Ohio, which has reported 2,596 cases, to aid in the state’s investigation.
Emerging Cases in Other States
Numerous cases have also emerged in states that were not initially linked to this multistate outbreak. New York has reported 632 cases since May, while North Carolina has noted 561 cases during the same timeframe. Preliminary investigations in North Carolina point to parsley and cilantro as potential sources of these illnesses.
FDA’s Ongoing Investigations
Addressing the evolving situation, Irvin mentioned that the FDA is examining various “indications” regarding the outbreak’s origin. “We have initiated multiple investigations into Cyclospora,” she confirmed.
