Protecting families from contaminated food and water
All fields are required
Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Cyclospora,Cyclospora,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on July 29, 2022
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a traceback investigation on a Cyclospora outbreak in the United States. At this time, there are 51 cases linked to the outbreak that made its way to the FDA’s Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks page on July 27, 2022.
A foodborne outbreak is described as an event in which two or more people become sick with the same illness from the same contaminated food or drink. In this case, the “same illness” box is checked and the “two or more people” box is checked. Traceback investigations are underway to determine what food or drink is the common factor.
When someone seeks medical attention for a foodborne illness, a patient sample is retrieved to determine what bad bug has them ill so that appropriate treatment can be provided, resulting in the best outcome for the patient. That sample is later sequenced and uploaded into a database that tracks trending strains of illness. If only a single occurrence, the information just sits there. However, if multiple people have been infected with the same strain, an alarm is set off and an investigation begins.
To help trace the source of the illness, patients are asked many questions. Primarily they are asked what and where they have eaten or drank over the past several weeks. Interview data is compared across those who were able to provide it to potentially track down a common food item.
Once the type of food is determined to overlap a good number of those involved, brand information is assessed. If the food product is still available in the homes, sampling is often conducted. If enough evidence is in place, sampling at the food facility may occur. In most cases, if there is enough evidence, the food manufacturer will issue a voluntary recall and perform an internal investigation in cooperation with regulatory authorities.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite. When it contaminates food or drinking water and is consumed, it causes the intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis.
Cyclospora is transmitted when infected feces contaminate food or water. Fortunately, Cyclospora is unlikely to be transmitted from person to person due to the life-cycle of the parasite. It needs several days and sometimes weeks after being passed in a bowel movement before it becomes infectious to another person.
Cyclosporiasis cases are reported year-round in the United States, though it becomes more active in the summer months. Cases often begin to increase starting in May with peaks between June and July. Some years have had Cyclospora cases well into September, so nothing is for certain.
As of July 26, 2022, there have been 384 laboratory-confirmed cases this year of cyclosporiasis in people who have no history of international travel during the 14-day period before illness onset. These cases are from 22 states starting May 1, 2022. At least 30 people have been hospitalized and so far no deaths have been reported.
As this recent outbreak is tracked, that case count may climb, though hopefully a common food source is identified soon to reduce that impact.
Other Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreaks seen in the United States have been linked to a variety of fresh produce. From basil, to cilantro, to mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and snow peas. The current food source could be so many options.
The contamination often occurs when irrigation systems are tainted. Sometimes this happens from feedlot waste runoff or poor sanitation at the farms, manufacturing, or packaging facilities.
Symptoms of Cyclospora infection do not arise immediately. Often there is at least a 1-week period between consuming a contaminated food or beverage and symptom onset.
The Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements.
Other common symptoms include:
In some cases, those who are infected present no symptoms at all.
If not treated, the illness may persist anywhere from a few days to a month or longer, often relapsing one or more times as it runs its course.
Cyclosporiasis is more common in tropical or subtropical regions of the world in places where Cyclospora cayetanensis is endemic or naturally found. In the United States, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to imported fresh produce. No specific age group or demographic is more susceptible to infection, though most illnesses are more serious in the very young, the very old, and those with a compromised immune system.
After diagnostic testing from a stool sample or series of stool samples determines the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis, common treatment options include a combination of two antibiotics, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (commonly known as Bactrim, Septra, or Cotrim). Symptoms of diarrhea or dehydration are treated with rest and fluids. Hospitalization for extreme dehydration and infection treatment may be necessary.
If you believe your symptoms match those of the outbreak, a few simple steps may help not only yourself feel better, but also help prevent others from falling ill.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)