Ongoing Cyclospora Outbreak in Northeastern US....FDA Warns Fresh Basil May Be a Source.

Cyclospora, the single celled parasite has caused numerous cases of infection in the northeastern states.   Massachusetts is reporting over 100 cases since May and Virginia has had 39 cases and Maryland has had 42 according to the Washington Post (June 25).

FDA issued a warning for fresh basil in that it may be potentially related to the outbreak.  The exporting firm, Siga Logistics de RL de CV of Morelos, Mexico,  has agreed with the FDA to issue a recall of their product

Symptoms for this parasite include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and fatigue and can last from a few days to over a month.

Fresh raw produce is often the source with the parasite getting onto the produce through irrigating with contaminated water.  Like cilantro which has been the source food for Cyclospora, basil is a herb that is used fresh and must be more washed more gently in order to preserve leaf integrity.

The Packer
https://www.thepacker.com/article/northeastern-cyclospora-outbreak-source-investigated
Northeastern cyclospora outbreak source investigated 
Chris Koger
July 25, 2019 11:24 AM


Public health departments in Northeastern states are warning consumers of an outbreak of Cyclospora infections, and although there’s no source identified, imported produce is a common cause of the infections.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, where more than 100 cyclospora cases have been reported since May 1, is advising consumers to wash fruits and vegetables, and has issued steps on how to prepare fresh produce.

Public health departments in Massachusetts, Virginia and other states are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration to find a source, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

According to a July 23 Virginia Department of Public Health news release, the state has seen 15 cyclosporiasis cases in northern Virginia since mid-June, with more than 40 other cases of cases of gastrointestinal illnesses “from two large businesses” in the area. The department is not releasing the names of those businesses, or whether they are retail or foodservice operators.

"Most Cyclospora cases this year have occurred in greater Boston, but infections have been reported in residents across the Commonwealth,” according to the Massachusetts department release. “Other states have also reported increases in the number of cyclosporiasis cases; the cause of the outbreak is not yet known.”

FDA Warning

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-cyclospora-illnesses-linked-imported-fresh-basil-july-2019

Outbreak Investigation of Cyclospora Illnesses Linked to Imported Fresh Basil, July 2019

Consumers warned to not eat fresh basil from Mexican exporter

July 25, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses potentially linked to fresh basil exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV located in Morelos, Mexico.

Although the investigation is ongoing, CDC’s analysis of epidemiologic information indicates that contaminated fresh basil is the likely cause of the illnesses. FDA’s traceback investigation indicates that the fresh basil available at points of sale where consumers became ill was exported to the United States by Siga Logistics de RL de CV located in Morelos, Mexico. FDA has requested a voluntary recall and the firm has agreed. FDA has increased import screening on basil and will continue to investigate the cause and source of the outbreak as well as the distribution of products.  

FDA is working with the firm to facilitate a recall. As this outbreak investigation continues, the FDA will work with our Mexican food safety regulatory counterparts to better define the cause and source of this outbreak. Additionally, the FDA will update this advisory as more information becomes available.

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 132

 Hospitalizations: 4

 Deaths: 0

 Last illness onset: July 9, 2019

 States with Cases: CT, FL, GA, IA, MA, MN, NY, OH, RI, SC, WI. Exposures occurred at restaurants in four states: FL, MN, NY, OH

Recommendations

For Consumers: 

Consumers should not to buy, eat, or serve any fresh basil exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV located in Morelos, Mexico.

Do not consume or serve uncooked items like pesto or salad, that may include fresh basil from Mexico, unless you are certain that the fresh basil was not exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV.

However, if consumers cannot determine if the basil is from this company, they should avoid basil from Mexico. If they do not know what country the basil is from, they should avoid it.

For Restaurants, Retailers, Distributors, Importers and Suppliers:

The FDA strongly advises importers, suppliers, and distributors, as well as restaurants, retailers, and other food service providers to not sell, serve or distribute fresh basil exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV located in Morelos, Mexico. If you are uncertain of the source, do not sell, serve or distribute the fresh imported basil.