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Settlements reached in Cyclospora cases

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in multiple states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis infections.

As of September 11, 2018, CDC was notified of 511 laboratory-confirmed cases of Cyclospora infections in people from 15 states and New York City who reported consuming a variety of salads from McDonald’s restaurants in the Midwest.

Twenty-four (24) people were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.

Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicated that salads purchased from McDonald’s restaurants were one likely source of this outbreak.

On July 13, 2018, McDonald’s voluntarily stopped selling salads at over 3,000 locations in 14 states. The company has since reported that it has replaced the supplier of salad mix in those states.

On July 26, 2018, the FDA completed final analysis of an unused package of romaine lettuce and carrot mix distributed to McDonald’s by the Fresh Express processor in Streamwood, IL. The analysis confirmed the presence of Cyclospora in that sample.

The FDA investigation reviewed distribution and supplier information for romaine and carrots but did not identify a single source or point of contamination for this outbreak.

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Related Resources
Cyclospora Food Poisoning

What is Cyclospora cayetanensis? Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular, microscopic parasite that can cause food- or water-related gastrointestinal illness. The oocyst form of the parasite is chlorine-resistant and must sporulate...

Epidemiology of Cyclospora

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the protozoan parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is transmissible by ingestion of food or water contaminated with sporulated oocysts. Most cases of cyclosporiasis occur...

Cyclospora’s Mode of Infection

The modes of transmission of C. cayetanensis are still not completely understood. Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely because the oocysts are not infectious when initially shed (unlike Cryptosporidium, another foodborne...

Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection

What are the typical symptoms of Cyclospora infection? Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, bloating, increased gas, stomach cramps, flatulence, loss of appetite, nausea, low-grade...

How is Cyclospora Diagnosed?

Cyclosporiasis is usually diagnosed symptomatically in clinical settings, including the presence of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and bloating. In untreated, immunocompetent people, the diarrhea can last from days to weeks...

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