Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Quick-Spreading Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Possibly Tied To Salad Greens
The New York Times: ‘Lettuce Or Salad Greens’ Identified As Potential Source Of Cyclospora Outbreak
In a news release issued Monday, health officials in Michigan identified a possible source of an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an illness resulting from infection with the parasite cyclospora, which is transmitted through food and water contaminated with feces. “Current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak,” officials said via the release, though they cautioned that the source was not yet definitive, and that other food items could not be ruled out. They also did not specify a grower or supplier. (Callahan, 7/13)
The Washington Post: Authorities Investigate Taco Bell And Lettuce In Multistate Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
Federal and state health officials are investigating whether Taco Bell restaurants played a role in one of the largest U.S. outbreaks of a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite that contaminates fresh produce, according to two individuals familiar with the investigation. ... Some people who became ill told investigators they had eaten at Taco Bell, the person said. But others who became sick had not eaten there, suggesting the outbreak extends beyond the chain. (Sun, 7/14)
ABC News: Cyclosporiasis Cases In Michigan Surpass 2,600, Health Officials Say
Reported cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, have surpassed 2,600 in Michigan, the state's health department said on Monday. Cases jumped by more than 1,000 since Friday for a total of 2,642 reported since June 22, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). At least 44 people have been hospitalized. Michigan typically sees about 50 cases per year. Most cases have been reported in southeastern Michigan, including Wayne County, where Detroit is located, according to MDHHS. (Kekatos, 7/13)
U.S. News & World Report: The Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Is Spreading Faster Than The CDC Can Track
The federal government may be in the process of learning that it’s hard to control what you choose not to observe. In this case it’s cyclospora, a parasite that can infect humans and cause what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention refers to as “explosive bowel movements.” The CDC says it knows of 843 cases of cyclosporiasis across 31 states. But a look at data collected by state shows that’s a significant undercount. (Knox, 7/13)
WRAL.com: Two North Carolinians Share What It's Like To Test Positive For Diarrhea-Causing Cyclospora
Christina Serafino thought she had food poisoning when she woke up feeling sick on Father’s Day. Three weeks later, the Wake County woman learned she was battling Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that can cause weeks of severe gastrointestinal illness. “I have never been so exhausted in my life,” Serafino said. “I tried to come to work one day and they were like, ‘You look terrible, go home.” ... Ray Watkins of Wake County found himself in a similar situation as Serafino last summer. “I’m a pretty big guy. I’m about 230 pounds normally, and I got down to about 215 to 210 pounds," he said. (Hayba, 7/13)
