Updated
Updated · CDC · Jul 15
CDC Probes 400-Plus Cyclospora Cases in 4 States as Food Source Remains Unknown
Updated
Updated · CDC · Jul 15

CDC Probes 400-Plus Cyclospora Cases in 4 States as Food Source Remains Unknown

3 articles · Updated · CDC · Jul 15

Summary

  • More than 400 Cyclospora infections tied to a multistate outbreak had been reported to the CDC by July 13 in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky.
  • CDC, the FDA and state officials are interviewing patients and analyzing food exposures, but have not yet identified the contaminated item driving the outbreak.
  • June 22 is the earliest reported symptom onset, and officials said the true case count is likely higher because testing can lag for weeks and some people never seek care.
  • Cyclospora is usually not life-threatening but can cause severe illness and hospitalization; the CDC urged people with prolonged watery diarrhea to seek care and specifically request Cyclospora testing.
  • The agency also said additional clusters are under investigation elsewhere in the United States, suggesting the outbreak may extend beyond the four known states.

Insights

With thousands sickened by a parasite, why can't investigators pinpoint the contaminated food source?
Is this massive foodborne illness outbreak a preview of our food supply's future?