CDC Finds Probable Culprit of Cyclospora Infection: Packaged Salad, 13 States Affected

The cyclospora infection that was initially reported in Iowa and Nebraska has quickly spread to 13 other states and infected close to 400 individuals, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC notes that people can become infected with cyclospora by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with a parasite. People living or traveling in countries where there is a cyclosporiasis endemic may also be at an increased risk for infection (and in this case, certain states across the country.)

Symptoms regarding the infection usually involve diarrhea, increased gas, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and/or fatique.

"Our goal is to protect Nebraskans, pinpoint the source of the illness and make sure the risk is eliminated," the department's chief of medical officer and director of public health, Dr. Joseph Acierno said according to the Denver Post.  

In order to stop the spread of a further outbreak, investigators hoped to find the source of the infection. According to Nebraska officials, infected salad mix is believed to be the culprit, coming from iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, red cabbage and carrots. Though officials have not identified the specific brands of salad mix at this time, they are working to correct the problem, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

During this time, the CDC is currently working with the FDA to determine if other fresh produce was involved in the hospitalizations of 21 individuals. No fatalities have been reported at this time.

"CDC is still actively pursuing all leads and hasn't implicated any single food item as the cause of the outbreak in all states," Sharon Hoskins, the CDC spokeswoman said. "We're still not sure if the cases in all of the states are linked to the same outbreak."

Treatment for cyclospora infection is a combination antibiotic known as trimenthoprim-sulfamenthoxazole. For those that are unable to take the previous medication, some evidence suggests that ciprofloxacin or nitazoxanide is also effective. 

The states that have been infected include Texas, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Ohio.