Cyclospora Bagged Salad Outbreak in Iowa Affects 160 – this Number is Expected to Grow as More Testing Performed
Iowa continues to hold the highest number of cases in the ongoing Fresh Express Bagged Salad Cyclospora Outbreak, compared to the other 7 affected states, with a total of 160 confirmed cases.
Cyclospora, officially known as Cyclospora cayetanensis, is a type of parasite which uses the human gut as its host. The parasite enters the human body by being ingested with fresh fruits, vegetables, or water, at which point the parasite begins to live and multiply in the gut. Because the parasite cannot be infective during its earliest stage, when it is excreted through feces (and referred to as oocysts), the parasite cannot be transmitted via person-person. The parasite can only become infective once it has further developed and attaches itself to fresh fruits and vegetables. This can take a few days to a week. Once the parasite has been ingested, symptoms of Cyclospora infection can appear within as little as a couple days, or as long as a couple weeks. The most common symptoms of Cyclospora infection are watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, cramping and bloating, with an occasional low-grade fever or vomiting. Cyclospora thrives in warmer conditions and therefore, is most common during spring and summer months, such as now.
The ongoing multi-state cyclospora outbreak was first discovered when various Cyclospora infections began surfacing across the US. Upon investigation, the FDA, CDC, and local health officials discovered a link between Fresh Express bagged salad products containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots. The retailers who were selling the concerned products, ALDI, Hy-Vee, and Jewel-Osco, were promptly notified and the selling of the concerned products was halted.
As the number of confirmed Cylclospora infection cases spread to 7 other midwestern states, including Illinois (151), Kansas (5), Minnesota (63), Missouri (46), Nebraska (48), North Dakota (6), and Wisconsin (30), Iowa (160) maintains the greatest number of cases.
Some people are seeking compensation for the terrible effects of their illnesses. Just last week, a woman by the name of Laure Guisinger, an Iowa resident, filed a Cyclospora lawsuit against Fresh Express with Ron Simon and Associates Law Firm, in order to receive compensation for her illness caused by the Fresh Express Bagged Salad Cyclospora Outbreak.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the outbreak and are in need of legal assistance, contact Ron Simon and Associates to discuss your personal case.
https://idph.iowa.gov/cade/disease-information/cyclospora
