A Cyclospora outbreak in New York City has sickened more than 90 people so far this year. About 40 people have been sickened since July 1, 2019, about the same number of cases typically reported annually.
Health officials have not yet determined the specific source for most of the illnesses, but they do know that 30 percent of the cases are associated with travel outside the U.S., primarily to Latin America. Cases of cyclosporiasis are typically travel-related. But outbreaks linked to imported produce have been occurring with more frequency during the summer months.
Last summer, for example, two multi-state Cyclospora outbreaks were linked to imported produce; one involved salads sold at McDonald’s, the other Del Monte vegetable trays sold at Kwik Trip stores. And this summer, New York is just one of several states battling a Cyclospora outbreak including Massachusetts, Michigan and Florida, where between 80 and 100 patrons of Cooper’s Hawk restaurant in Jacksonville, FL were sickened.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a parasite native to sub-tropical climates that can cause an intestinal infection if ingested. Food becomes contaminated with Cyclospora through contact with infected fecal matter.
Symptoms of an infection, called cyclosporiasis, generally develop about a week after exposure and include appetite loss, weight loss, abdominal cramps, gas, bloating, nausea, fatigue, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms. But the hallmark of cyclosporiasis is profuse, often explosive diarrhea.
If you have been sickened by food contaminated with Cyclospora, we want to help. To request a free consultation with a Cyclospora lawyer, use the form below, call us toll-free at 1(888) 377-8900 or send a text to 612-261-0856.