Georgia is one of 34 states to report cases of cyclosporiasis, the foodborne illness that causes explosive diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues that can last from a few days to a month or longer.
Since May 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there have been 1,645 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, caused by the parasite called cyclospora, in the U.S. The organization said there are more than 5,100 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness. Of the confirmed cases, 141 people were hospitalized and none have died.
The Georgia Department of Public Health said that 11 to 30 cases of cyclosporasis have been reported in the state since May 1.
On July 17, CDC and U.S Food and Drug Administration officials said they identified iceberg lettuce from grower Taylor Farms as a possible source of the outbreak. The company initiated a recall on the same day, saying the shredded iceberg lettuce was distributed June 29 through July 16 to multiple states, including Georgia.
The company’s products are sold at retailers such as Walmart, and it also supplies restaurants such as Taco Bell, which was implicated in the outbreak.
On July 19, however, the FDA noted that there was a false positive test result for cyclospora from a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms. Despite this, the recall is ongoing, as is the FDA’s and the CDC’s investigation.
Tyler Harper, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, told Capital B Atlanta in an email that the department is “currently working with retailers and distributors as well as state and federal health agencies to make sure the recalled products are removed from store shelves and no longer available for consumers to purchase.”
Nancy Nydam Shirek, the director of communications for the Georgia Department of Public Health, told Capital B Atlanta on July 20 that the department “is not aware of any Georgia-specific outbreaks, clusters, or potential links to the outbreak that has sickened thousands of people in the Midwest.”
In a July 14 press release, the health department advised residents to take “extra precautions” with their food — especially produce.
What is Cyclospora and what symptoms does it cause?
Clycospora is a parasite that can be found in fresh fruits, vegetables and water. The parasite is transmitted when infected feces comes into contact with food or water. If someone contracts the parasite, they can develop cyclosporasis. Symptoms can begin from two to 14 days after exposure with the most common side effects of the disease being watery diarrhea and explosive bowel movements. Other symptoms include bloating, cramping, loss of appetite, nausea, and fatigue.
The FDA says people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, or children may experience more severe illness or complications from severe dehydration and may require longer treatment.
What should I do if I experience symptoms?
Nydam Shirek said people experiencing extended or recurring symptoms should speak to their healthcare provider, as there are antibiotics that can treat cyclosporiasis. The CDC recommends seeking treatment if you have prolonged or watery diarrhea that lasts more than a few days.
What foods are high risk?
For now, the CDC says to not eat recalled lettuce from Taylor Farms, be it from a store or restaurant.
In general, fruits and vegetables are the foods most commonly known to carry the parasite. In particular, Nydam Shirek pointed to “raspberries, basil, cilantro, green onions, snow peas, lettuce, mesclun and salad mixes.”
How should I cook my fruits and vegetables to stay safe?
The state health department said residents should do the following when preparing food:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking
- Thoroughly wash produce, even if it is labeled as pre-washed
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours)
Is it safe to eat at restaurants?
The CDC said people eating in a restaurant who have concerns should speak with the manager to avoid consuming Taylor Farms’ recalled product.
Scott Bierman, vice president of government affairs with the Georgia Restaurant Association, said that restaurants in the state follow “established food safety protocols” daily.
“Many restaurant operators and employees complete ServSafe food safety training, which emphasizes proper food handling, sanitation, employee hygiene, and other proven practices designed to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness,” Bierman said. “We encourage restaurants to remain vigilant and continue following these established food safety protocols while monitoring any additional guidance from public health officials.”
How is Georgia working to track cases?
Nydam Shriek said doctors are required to report cases of cyclosporiasis to the health department within seven days.
“Epidemiologists interview infected patients to collect 14-day food, travel, and recreational histories. They monitor cases of cyclosporiasis year-round to detect outbreaks linked to a common food source in Georgia and, or the United States. That information is reported to the CDC,” she said.
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