A nationwide outbreak of the diarrheal parasite Cyclospora has reached alarming levels, with over 6,745 cases reported in the US as of July 13. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working to identify the source of the contamination, but early data suggests that leafy greens, particularly lettuce, may be the culprit.
Michigan has been hit hardest by the outbreak, with 3,309 cases reported as of July 14, including 44 hospitalizations. The state’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has identified lettuce as a common product associated with the outbreak, but a specific source has not yet been confirmed.
The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing, with both the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) working to identify the source of the contamination. The FDA’s acting deputy commissioner for food, Donald Prater, stated that they are continuing their traceback investigation on multiple produce items, including lettuce.
While the exact cause of the outbreak remains unclear, health officials are warning consumers to be cautious when consuming leafy greens. The CDC recommends avoiding bagged or boxed greens and instead opting for whole heads of lettuce, which can be washed thoroughly before consumption. Cooking produce to at least 158° F (70° C) is also recommended as a safe option.
The outbreak has been linked to multiple states, with New York reporting 470 cases and Ohio reporting at least 397 cases. The CDC’s deputy director of the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Gwen Biggerstaff, stated that it appears that the cases in this region may be from a single source, but a clear genetic or epidemiological link has not been confirmed.
#### Investigation Continues
The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing, with both the CDC and FDA working to identify the source of the contamination. The FDA’s acting deputy commissioner for food, Donald Prater, stated that they are continuing their traceback investigation on multiple produce items, including lettuce.
#### Consumer Warning
While the exact cause of the outbreak remains unclear, health officials are warning consumers to be cautious when consuming leafy greens. The CDC recommends avoiding bagged or boxed greens and instead opting for whole heads of lettuce, which can be washed thoroughly before consumption. Cooking produce to at least 158° F (70° C) is also recommended as a safe option.
#### Regional Breakdown
The outbreak has been linked to multiple states, with New York reporting 470 cases and Ohio reporting at least 397 cases. The CDC’s deputy director of the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Gwen Biggerstaff, stated that it appears that the cases in this region may be from a single source, but a clear genetic or epidemiological link has not been confirmed.
#### Source
Source: Original article