McDonald's restaurants in the mid-west have pulled their salads after being linked to a large outbreak of Cyclospora. This comes after last month's outbreak linked to Del Monte's trays of sliced vegetables.
The reference below lists some of the difficulties of this parasite...one is that it may be more resistant to sanitizers and the other is the ability to attach to produce.
So basically, the parasite gets into water used for irrigation. The source being fecal contamination from someone who became ill. Once on the crops, it may not be easy to get rid of it.
Not a lot is know about cyclospora, one of the issues being is that humans are the only known reservoir. This makes studying using animal models impossible.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS,
Jan. 2010, p. 218–234 Vol. 23, No. 1
0893-8512/10/$12.00 doi:10.1128/CMR.00026-09
Copyright © 2010, American Society for Microbiology.
Update on Cyclospora cayetanensis, a Food-Borne and Waterborne Parasite
Yne´s R. Ortega* and Roxana Sanchez
University of Georgia, Center for Food Safety, Griffin, Georgia 30223-1797
"Individuals with Cyclospora infection excrete unsporulated oocysts in their feces (Fig. 1). These oocysts require 7 to 15 days to sporulate under ideal conditions (23 to 27°C) and presumably become infectious to a susceptible host. When food or water contaminated with infectious oocysts is ingested
by a susceptible host, the oocysts excyst and sporozoites are released to infect epithelial cells of the duodenum and jejunum."
"Cyclospora is highly resistant to disinfectants commonly used in food and water processing. This resistance may also be enhanced by the apparent higher binding affinities of the parasite for certain fresh produce. In the case of raspberries, which have been implicated in several outbreaks, the topography of the fruit is characterized by fine hair-like projections that facilitate the entrapment of the “sticky” Cyclospora oocysts. The microenvironment of the berry provides a favorable environment for parasite retention on the fruit. The stickiness of Cyclospora oocysts seems to be stronger than that of Cryptosporidium or Giardia oocysts. The adhesins responsible for this strong attachment to produce are unknown."
NY Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/13/us/mcdonalds-salads-illness-cyclospora-nyt.html
McDonald’s Salads Linked to Intestinal Parasite Outbreak in Midwest
By Matthew Haag
July 13, 2018
Showing posts with label cyclospora. outbreaks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cyclospora. outbreaks. Show all posts
Friday, July 13, 2018
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Veggie Trays
FDA is investigating an outbreak of cyclospora linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip. There have been 78 confirmed cases.
Cyclospora is a single cell parasite that causes “diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer”.
While FDA has not identified a source or reason, Cyclospora contamination can occur when contaminated water is used to irrigate vegetables.
FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm610982.htm
FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials have been investigating a cluster of cyclosporiasis illnesses associated with recalled Del Monte vegetable trays from Kwik Trip/Kwik Star locations in the United States.
Cyclospora is a single cell parasite that causes “diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer”.
While FDA has not identified a source or reason, Cyclospora contamination can occur when contaminated water is used to irrigate vegetables.
FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm610982.htm
FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials have been investigating a cluster of cyclosporiasis illnesses associated with recalled Del Monte vegetable trays from Kwik Trip/Kwik Star locations in the United States.
Friday, August 5, 2016
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Reported in Texas
Texas is facing another outbreak of cyclosporiasis with 66 cases now reported across the state. In 2013, a nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis resulted in over 600 becoming ill. In 2015, cyclospora contaminated cilantro resulted in over 450 becoming ill.
The parasitic agent, cyclospora, contaminates produce through the use of contaminated water. Symptoms last about a week or so and symptoms include watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, stools, and in general, just feeling like heck (tired, bloated, slight fever, etc). It can be a much bigger issue for those with compromised immune systems.
NBC 5 Dallas Fort Worth, TX
Source: Cyclospora Found in North Texas Counties Likely Food Borne | NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/Cyclospora-Found-in-North-Texas-Counties-Likely-Food-Borne-389100491.html#ixzz4GT0tQSl1
Cyclospora Found in North Texas Counties Likely Food Borne By Frank Heinz
The parasitic agent, cyclospora, contaminates produce through the use of contaminated water. Symptoms last about a week or so and symptoms include watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, stools, and in general, just feeling like heck (tired, bloated, slight fever, etc). It can be a much bigger issue for those with compromised immune systems.
NBC 5 Dallas Fort Worth, TX
Source: Cyclospora Found in North Texas Counties Likely Food Borne | NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/Cyclospora-Found-in-North-Texas-Counties-Likely-Food-Borne-389100491.html#ixzz4GT0tQSl1
Cyclospora Found in North Texas Counties Likely Food Borne By Frank Heinz
Friday, August 14, 2015
Cyclospora Update - 457 reported cases
As of August 11, 2015, CDC is reporting that there have been 457 cases of Cyclospora infection. Cilantro has been identified as a potential source.
CDC News Release
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Investigations — United States, 2015
Last Updated August 11, 2015 4:00 PM EDT
Read the related statement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Read the Advice to Consumers
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.
- As of August 10, 2015 (3pm EDT), CDC had been notified of 457 ill persons with confirmed Cyclospora infection from 29 states in 2015.
- Most of these persons—275 (60%) of 457—experienced onset of illness on or after May 1, 2015, and did not have a history of international travel within 2 weeks before illness onset. These 275 persons were from the following 22 states: Arkansas (2), California (2), Connecticut (3), Florida (11), Georgia (22), Illinois (6), Iowa (1), Kansas (2), Maryland (1), Massachusetts (9), Michigan (2), Missouri (1), Montana (3), Nebraska (1), New Jersey (6), New Mexico (1), New York (excluding NYC) (8), New York City (21), Texas (157), Utah (1), Virginia (3), Washington (2), and Wisconsin (10).
Monday, August 3, 2015
Ongoing Cyclospora Outbreak, Cilantro Identified as Potential Source
CDC is investigating an outbreak of the parasite Cyclospora. There have been 358 confirmed cases in 26 states so far in 2015. Symptoms of cyclospora infection or cyclosporiasis last for an average of 7 days, but can range from 2 days to longer than 2 weeks after ingestion of sporulated oocysts (the infective form of the parasite). Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include: watery diarrhea (most common), loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.
Cilantro has been identified as a potential source. FDA has issued an import alert for cilantro imported from Puebla, Mexico. A potential scenario is that the cilantro becomes contaminated from contaminated water used for irrigation or washing, or from contaminated workers handling the fresh product. The fresh cilantro is then added to flavor items such as fresh salsa and consumed, so there are no processing steps that would eliminate the parasite.
CDC Outbreak Investigation
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2015/index.html
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Investigations — United States, 2015
Last Updated July 31, 2015 1:00 PM EDT
UPDATES WILL BE PROVIDED WHEN MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE
CDC and federal, state, and local public health partners are investigating an increase in reported cases of Cyclospora infection.
Highlights
Read the related statement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Read the Advice to Consumers
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.
As of July 30, 2015 (11am EDT), CDC had been notified of 358 ill persons with confirmed Cyclospora infection from 26 states in 2015.
Most (199; 56%) ill persons experienced onset of illness on or after May 1, 2015 and did not report international travel prior to symptom onset.
Cilantro has been identified as a potential source. FDA has issued an import alert for cilantro imported from Puebla, Mexico. A potential scenario is that the cilantro becomes contaminated from contaminated water used for irrigation or washing, or from contaminated workers handling the fresh product. The fresh cilantro is then added to flavor items such as fresh salsa and consumed, so there are no processing steps that would eliminate the parasite.
CDC Outbreak Investigation
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2015/index.html
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Investigations — United States, 2015
Last Updated July 31, 2015 1:00 PM EDT
UPDATES WILL BE PROVIDED WHEN MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE
CDC and federal, state, and local public health partners are investigating an increase in reported cases of Cyclospora infection.
Highlights
Read the related statement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Read the Advice to Consumers
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.
As of July 30, 2015 (11am EDT), CDC had been notified of 358 ill persons with confirmed Cyclospora infection from 26 states in 2015.
Most (199; 56%) ill persons experienced onset of illness on or after May 1, 2015 and did not report international travel prior to symptom onset.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Food Safety Update for July 10, 2015
Avian Influenza Outbreak in birds has come to a halt with no new cases reported since June 17th. It has been one of the most devastating outbreaks of bird flue with approximately 48 million birds affected. According to reports, there is a lot of room for improvement in responding to such a serious outbreak.
In Texas, there are an increased number of illnesses due to the parasite Cyclospspora. There have been 151 cases reported. (Story/link below).
In North Carolina, one restaurant has been linked to 267 cases of salmonellosis. Bad BBQ. (Story/Link below)
In a recent study, it was found that farmers should wait for 24 hours after a rainfall or irrigating before harvesting. The research was based upon the presence of Listeria.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Cyclospora outbreak linked to fresh cilantro
An outbreak of cyclospoa, primarily impacting Texas, has been linked to fresh cilantro from the Puebla area of Mexico .
Cyclospora is a single cell parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. Cyclospora is spread by people ingesting food or water that was contaminated with feces from an infected individual. Humans are the only known host (unlike other parasites that have other animals hosts). It is not unlikely, however, to be passed from person-to-person, because it needs time (days to weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement (pooped) to become infectious for another person.
It is seen mainly in tropical or subtropical regions of the world but makes its way into the United States, via contaminated food, primarily imported fresh produce, or from people who travel to these areas. The symptoms take about a week to show up, and it is in the form of watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. (Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted.) Some people who are infected can be asymptomatic (no symptoms).
Texas Department of State Health Services
News Updates
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm
Cyclospora – August 28, 2014
The Cyclospora illness outbreak being investigated by DSHS and local health departments in Texas along with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration appears to have ended. The number of new illnesses being reported has returned to background levels, and the investigation has linked the cases in four restaurant clusters to cilantro imported from Puebla, Mexico.
Cyclospora is a single cell parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. Cyclospora is spread by people ingesting food or water that was contaminated with feces from an infected individual. Humans are the only known host (unlike other parasites that have other animals hosts). It is not unlikely, however, to be passed from person-to-person, because it needs time (days to weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement (pooped) to become infectious for another person.
It is seen mainly in tropical or subtropical regions of the world but makes its way into the United States, via contaminated food, primarily imported fresh produce, or from people who travel to these areas. The symptoms take about a week to show up, and it is in the form of watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. (Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted.) Some people who are infected can be asymptomatic (no symptoms).
Texas Department of State Health Services
News Updates
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm
Cyclospora – August 28, 2014
The Cyclospora illness outbreak being investigated by DSHS and local health departments in Texas along with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration appears to have ended. The number of new illnesses being reported has returned to background levels, and the investigation has linked the cases in four restaurant clusters to cilantro imported from Puebla, Mexico.
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