The Illinois cyclospora outbreak that is linked to ALDI, Hy Vee, and Jewel Osco garden salads produced by Fresh Express has sickened at least 30 people in that state, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The last update by that department was on June 20, 2020 and stated 23 illnesses, but the FDA and CDC have updated the case counts since then.
Illinois officials and the CDC and FDA have stated that these may not be the only products linked to this outbreak. IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement, “Although a link has been made to Cyclospora in some Illinois cases, public health officials continue to investigate other sources. If you consumed store brand packaged garden salads since May and then developed watery diarrhea, please contact a health care provider about testing and treatment.”
The symptoms of a cyclospora infection take a few days to appear after a person ingests the oocysts. Symptoms include loss of appetite, cramps, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, a fever, and frequent bouts of watery and explosive diarrhea. If not treated with sulfa drugs, this infection can last for weeks or months and recur without warning.
You can contact Fred Pritzker for help by calling 1-888-377-8900 or 612-338-0202.
Noted food safety attorney Fred Pritzker, who has filed successful lawsuits against many companies in previous cyclospora outbreaks said, “These food growers and processors have to do a better job checking for pathogens so they can produce food that doesn’t make people sick. Cyclosporiasis can be a devastating illness that affects people for months.”
Cyclospora outbreaks during the summer have become routine in the U.S. Last year more than 1600 Americans were sickened by this infection, mostly by consuming fresh basil imported from Mexico.
If you have been experiencing these symptoms, especially if you have eaten a store brand bagged salad recently, see your doctor. You may be part of this Illinois cyclospora outbreak.
If you or a loved one have been sickened with a cyclospora infection after eating ALDO, Jewel Osco, Hy-Vee, or other store brand bagged garden salads, please contact our experienced lawyers for help at 1-888-377-8900 or 612-338-0202.
