Bagged salad possible cause of cyclospora outbreak illness may last weeks

NEWS

The Nebraska Health and Human Services have identified the source of the latest cyclospora outbreak that sickened 78 Nebraskans since mid June.

By Jenn Harris

July 31 2013 9 53 a.m.

Bagged salad could be the cause of the recent cyclospora stomach bug outbreak that has sickened more than 350 people in at least 15 states.

Iowa has reported the most cases of the cyclospora bug with 143 people falling ill. An investigation by the Iowa Department of Public Health has linked a prepackaged salad mix to the outbreak after the agency determined at least 80% of reported cases were exposed to the same mix reported CBS News.

The mix whose brand or manufacturer have yet to be named contains iceberg and romaine lettuce carrots and red cabbage. Ingredients in the mix are not believed to be Iowa grown. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health the salad mix is no longer being sold in the state.

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An investigation in Nebraska has also implicated a salad mix as the source of the outbreak according to a statement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Cases of the infection began popping up early this month. It is caused by the parasite cyclospora found in contaminated food or drinking water. The bug causes watery diarrhea that if untreated can last an average of 57 days. Specific lab tests are needed to detect cyclospora which requires specific treatment. Other symptoms include fatigue loss of appetite weight loss bloating increased gas stomach cramps nausea vomiting muscle aches and low grade fever.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cases have also been found in Texas Nebraska Florida Wisconsin Illinois Georgia Missouri Arkansas Connecticut Kansas Minnesota New Jersey New York and Ohio.

The FDA recommends safe food handling and preparation measures including washing hands utensils and surfaces with hot soapy water before and after handling food and thoroughly washing all fresh produce before consumption.

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