New outbreak of infections from Cyclospora parasite added to FDA's investigations list

Federal officials are investigating a new outbreak of infections from the Cyclospora parasite, but little information is available.

The Food and Drug Administration reports that it has begun traceback efforts in relation to the outbreak, but the agency has not revealed what food or foods are being traced. As of Aug. 3, there were 6 confirmed patients in the outbreak. The FDA did not release the patients’ age range or states of residence.

In another Cyclospora outbreak the number of patients has increased to 60, up from 51 a week ago. The FDA has begun sample collection and analysis but has not reported what food, foods or location are included in those activities.

In other outbreak news, investigation into an outbreak of infections from Salmonella Paratyphi B var. L(+) tartrate+ has ended with no source of the pathogen found. At least 14 people were sickened in the outbreak. The FDA did not report ages of the patients or their states of residence.

In an ongoing investigation of another outbreak, the FDA reports that the number of patients infected from Salmonella Braenderup has increased to 74 compared to 70 a week ago. The agency has begun traceback efforts, but has not indicated what is being traced.

The FDA has closed an investigation into an outbreak of infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes. Investigators were not able to determine a food source for the pathogen. At least 12 people were sickened in the outbreak. The FDA did not report patient ages or where they lived.

Other FDA outbreak investigations underway as of Aug. 4 include:

An investigation related to adverse effects associated with Daily Harvest brand frozen Leeks & Lentils Crumbles. The company has received more than 470 complaints of illnesses and as of July 29 the FDA had received 329 complaints. Some of the patients have gone into liver failure and at least 25 have had to have their gallbladders removed. The FDA is working on traceback efforts and has begun on-site inspection and product testing.
An outbreak of hepatitis A infections traced to fresh strawberries that has sickened at least 19 people with 13 having been hospitalized. These potentially contaminated strawberries were imported from Baja California, a state in northern Mexico, and branded as FreshKampo and HEB and distributed nationwide. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to investigate the outbreak. There have also been reports of sick people in Canada.
An outbreak of “adverse events” involving 558 patients who ate Lucky Charms cereal. The investigation is ongoing and the FDA is conducting on-site inspections and testing.
An outbreak of infections from Listeria monocytogenes traced to Big Olaf ice cream produced in Florida. A total of 25 confirmed patients have been reported with one death and one fetal loss. The patients are spread across 11 states and many of the sick people reported travel to Florida before becoming ill. Testing has shown Listeria in the manufacturing plant and in 16 of 17 flavors of Big Olaf ice cream. The company has been closed down by the state until further notice.
An outbreak of infections from Cronobacter in four infants, one of whom died. The outbreak has been determined to be over by the CDC, but is it still under investigation. The babies consumed infant formula made by Abbott Nutrition’s plant in Sturgis, MI.