The multistate Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened almost 400 people in 15 states is believed to have been caused by a prepackaged salad mix, according to Iowa’s Chief of the Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA). Steven Mandernach said in a press release, “the evidence points to a salad mix containing iceberg and romaine lettuce, as well as carrots and red cabbage. Iowans should continue eating salads as the implicated prepackaged mix is not longer in the state’s food supply chain.”
The Cyclospora outbreak has hit people in the states of Iowa and Nebraska the hardest. Not all of the reported cases have been confirmed as being part of the same outbreak. Iowa’s investigation found that the salad mix was common to 80% of the case patients in their state. Apparently, some people ate the salads at home, while others ate it at restaurants.
The brand name of the salad is not being released, or where it was purchased. Officials say that the product has expired and is no longer available on store shelves. Investigators have not pinpointed which salad ingredient was contaminated with the Cyclospora oocysts. The investigation was conducted by The DIA, the State Hygienic Laboratory, local health departments, and officials in Nebraska.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that is usually found in developing countries. Symptoms include watery diarrhea that can last up to 2 months, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, fever, fatigue, and weight loss. People have been sickened in Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio.
I agree. I am certain this is what sickened me for 3 weeks. I have lost wages, Dr. expenses, RX’s and a month of my life. I deserve to know what the source was.
I think they should release the brand of salad mix.
I agree with Ms. Taylor. Why is the brand name being kept a secret by the state health investigators? Why is the news media not pursuing these details?