Cyclosporiasis cases continue to mount
An outbreak — or outbreaks — of cyclosporiasis has grown to more than 1,000 cases in 40 states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention originally reported this summer that 68 cases had been confirmed by health officials in Texas in late July. As of Sept. 27, that has grown to 1,054 cases in 40 states.
As it did in July, the CDC reported “no specific vehicle of interest has been identified,” but it is investigating. It is unknown whether the source (or sources) is still available to consumers, and authorities don’t know if the cases in different states are related to each other.
The CDC reported that previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce, including basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries and snow peas, but that “consumers should continue to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables as part of a well-balanced diet.”
The agency also said consumers and retailers should follow safe produce handling recommendations.
