In the US, the Cyclospora parasitic disease associated with fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and lettuce is on the rise. Health officials announced that the number of laboratory-confirmed cases has reached 4173, with more than 7400 suspected cases under investigation.
elchi reports that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are conducting investigations in many states due to Cyclospora cases, which are considered one of the largest foodborne parasite epidemics in recent years. The number of states where the epidemic has been observed has reached 41, 308 people have been hospitalized so far, and no deaths have been recorded.
Parsley, cilantro, and lettuce are being checked
In a separate study conducted in North Carolina, health officials announced that 561 cases could be linked to the consumption of parsley, cilantro, and lettuce.
Authorities are continuing their investigations to determine the exact source of the epidemic, and consumers have been advised to carefully clean greens consumed raw.
Mexican lettuce is being recalled
In an investigation conducted by the FDA across multiple states, it is believed that a significant portion of the epidemic may be linked to shredded iceberg lettuce processed at the Taylor Farms facility in Mexico.
The company is recalling some of its products as a precautionary measure, and it is reported that the lettuce in question reached restaurant chains and food delivery companies. However, Mexican authorities claim there is no conclusive evidence linking their products to the epidemic.
Another epidemic under investigation
In addition to the current major epidemic, authorities are also investigating a new cluster of 72 Cyclospora cases whose source has not yet been identified. The FDA stated that it is not yet clear whether these cases are related to the current lettuce-linked epidemic.
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