At least 591 people in 19 states have fallen ill with Cyclospora infection since June. The latest number of cases by state is as follows: Arkansas (7 cases), California (1), Connecticut (1), Florida (28), Georgia (4), Illinois (11), Iowa (155), Kansas (4), Louisiana (3), Minnesota (1), Missouri (4), Nebraska (86), New Hampshire (1), New Jersey (2), New York (7), Ohio (2), Texas (258), Virginia (2) and Wisconsin (14). These counts are based off data collected from the U.S. Centers from Disease Control and calls made to individual state health departments. The illnesses in Iowa and Nebraska are linked to salad grown by Taylor Farms de Mexico and served at Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants. Investigators are still working to determine if the illnesses in other states are connected. Most of the illness onset dates have ranged from mid-June through mid-July. At least 35 have reportedly been hospitalized. On Aug. 12, FDA released information regarding the traceback investigation of Taylor Farms de Mexico salad mix and the company’s decision to suspend as of Aug. 9 “production and shipment of any salad mix, leafy green, or salad mix components from its operations in Mexico to the United States.” Cases in this outbreak are defined as laboratory-confirmed Cyclospora infection in a person with onset of illness since June 2013 and no history of travel outside of the U.S. or Canada during the 14 days prior to onset of illness. Cyclospora is a single-celled parasite that can cause diarrhea, vomiting and nausea several days to weeks after exposure. It is most commonly associated with imported fresh produce.
