Massachusetts Reports Cyclospora Cases as FDA Probes Produce in 12-Plus-State Outbreak
Updated
Updated · The Boston Globe · Jul 9
Massachusetts Reports Cyclospora Cases as FDA Probes Produce in 12-Plus-State Outbreak
3 articles · Updated · The Boston Globe · Jul 9
Summary
Massachusetts has joined more than a dozen states reporting Cyclospora cases since May 1, with the CDC tracking several multi-state clusters but no confirmed link among all infections.
Michigan has been hit hardest, reporting more than 900 cases, as the FDA investigates a possible foodborne source including white and green onions, cucumbers and cilantro.
Cyclospora spreads through contaminated food or water and causes weeks-long diarrhea, fatigue, cramps and nausea; no U.S. deaths have been reported in this outbreak, and antibiotics can treat it.
Doctors say part of the apparent surge may reflect wider availability of cyclospora testing, since older stomach-bug panels often missed the parasite.
Health officials still have not identified a single culprit, leaving standard precautions—hand-washing and washing produce—as the main advice while the investigation continues.