U.S. Cyclospora Cases Top 25,000 as Minnesota Shoppers Scrutinize Produce
Updated
Updated · KSTP · Aug 9
U.S. Cyclospora Cases Top 25,000 as Minnesota Shoppers Scrutinize Produce
3 articles · Updated · KSTP · Aug 9
Summary
More than 25,000 cyclospora cases have been reported nationwide this year, far above the previous U.S. high of about 4,700 in 2019, driving fresh concern among Minnesota shoppers.
Minnesota has logged 98 cyclosporiasis cases since May 1, but state health officials say those are seasonally normal and have not been tied to the multistate lettuce outbreak.
The CDC also says Minnesota is among 27 states in a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 345 people and was linked to jalapeños served at chains including Chipotle and Qdoba.
Federal investigators are focusing on Taylor Farms as the source of recalled iceberg lettuce from Mexico, while the FDA is tracking five cyclospora outbreaks and has not identified products in the other four.
Health officials say cyclospora outbreaks are unusually hard to trace because symptoms can take weeks to appear, lab analysis is difficult, and public-health staffing cuts have reduced investigative capacity.
With national cyclospora cases skyrocketing past 25,000, what hidden dangers might still be lurking in your summer salads?
Since standard medical tests miss this microscopic parasite, how many typical summer stomach bugs are actually undiagnosed cases from this massive outbreak?