The FDA has updated the basil cyclospora outbreak that has now sickened at least 205 people in 11 states. That’s an increase of 73 patients since the last update which was posted on July 25, 2019. Five people have been hospitalized because they are so sick. The basil in question is imported from Mexico by Siga Logistics de RL de CV from Morelos. That facility recalled basil on July 24, 2019.
Consumers should not buy, eat, or serve any fresh basil imported by Siga Logistics. Do not eat or serve uncooked items such as pesto or salad that may include basil imported from Mexico, unless you are absolutely certain it was not imported by Siga Logistics. If you don’t know where the basil you want to use came from, don’t use it.
The last illness onset in this cyclosporiasis outbreak occurred on July 18, 2019. Case patients live in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. Exposures occurred at restaurants in these states: Florida, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Epidemiologic evidence indicates that fresh basil is the likely source of this outbreak. Traceback investigation found that basil available at points of sale where ill persons purchased basil was supplied by Siga Logistics de RL de CV.
You can contact attorney Fred Pritzker for help with a Cyclospora illness by calling 1-888-377-8900.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes an illness called cyclosporiasis. Infected feces contaminate food or water. People eat the food and swallow the parasite, which causes watery and explosive diarrhea, weight loss, stomach cramps and pain, low grade fever, nausea, and flu-like symptoms.
There are currently six cyclospora outbreaks in the U.S. that have sickened hundreds. We don’t know if all of these outbreaks are linked to basil imported by Siga Logistics.
This parasite is not passed person-to-person, since after it is expelled in feces, it needs time to mature and become infectious. If untreated, people can be sick for months as this infection seems to clear and then recurs.
If you have been ill with these symptoms, see your doctor. You have to request a cyclospora test, since it’s not routinely ordered by medical professionals. You may be part of this basil cyclospora outbreak.
