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The Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak: What You Need to Know - Consumer Reports
Treating illness from a parasite is different than bacterial infections from culprits such as E. coli
Two recent foodborne outbreaks were traced to a parasite, something that's more common than many people may think.
A parasite called cyclospora sickened 227 people in May and June, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. The source was Del Monte vegetable trays sold at Midwestern gas stations during May and June.
In the second incident, 61 victims of cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by the parasite, in seven states reported having eaten McDonald’s salads before getting sick. McDonald’s said it stopped selling salads at about 3,000 locations, primarily in the Midwest, "out of an abundance of caution." The fast-food chain also said it was changing its lettuce blend distributor.
Bacterial infections such E. coli and salmonella have gotten a lot of attention this year. An outbreak linked to romaine lettuce, for instance, was the deadliest E. coli outbreak in decades. But parasites lead to outbreaks in the U.S. on a fairly regular basis, even though they're often associated with international travel.
Treating illness from a parasite is different than bacterial infections from culprits such as E. coli
Two recent foodborne outbreaks were traced to a parasite, something that's more common than many people may think.
A parasite called cyclospora sickened 227 people in May and June, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. The source was Del Monte vegetable trays sold at Midwestern gas stations during May and June.
In the second incident, 61 victims of cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by the parasite, in seven states reported having eaten McDonald’s salads before getting sick. McDonald’s said it stopped selling salads at about 3,000 locations, primarily in the Midwest, "out of an abundance of caution." The fast-food chain also said it was changing its lettuce blend distributor.
Bacterial infections such E. coli and salmonella have gotten a lot of attention this year. An outbreak linked to romaine lettuce, for instance, was the deadliest E. coli outbreak in decades. But parasites lead to outbreaks in the U.S. on a fairly regular basis, even though they're often associated with international travel.