The Cyclospora stomach infection that caused severe diarrhea cases since July 29, 2013, where 372 people in total developed the infection, was allegedly caused by a bagged salad mix – reports said.
According to a report from CBSNews.com, the most number of Cyclosporiasis cases was in the state of Iowa, where 143 people were said to be diagnosed with the infection. Other than Iowa, other states were also reported to have their people experienced with diarrhea-causing infections, namely Texas, Nebraska, Florida, Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and the state of Ohio.
On a short note on what is Cyclosporiasis, it is a pathogen transmitted by way of feces, which are sometimes present in fresh produce and water. Though it is not spread from person to person, it can cause diarrhea to infected individuals after consumption.
Health officials investigating the cause has already identified the source of the contamination which came from a certain from somewhere they don’t want to specify the brand and manufacturer. But they have said in several reports that it was a bagged salad mix that contained icebergs and romaine lettuce, carrots and red cabbage.
According to a statement posted at FDA.gov, “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Cyclospora infections. We are moving quickly to learn as much as possible and prevent additional people from becoming ill. We recognize that people will be concerned about this outbreak, and we will continue to provide updates and advice.”
In accordance to this, the FDA also reminded consumers to always practice safe food handling and preparation measures to avoid this kind of outbreaks again in the near future.