By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
In a follow-up on the Cyclospora cluster in the Capital region of New York, state health officials are now reporting 69 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in patrons who ate at restaurants or attended events in the Capital Region. There are 204 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in New York State outside of New York City, a significant increase from previous years.
The State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Department of Health today urged New Yorkers to not eat fresh basil imported from Siga Logistics S. de R.L de C.V of Mexico following the release of the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) nationwide advisory, which has potentially linked the herb to cases of cyclosporiasis illness in New York and other states.
Imported Basil from Mexico the Source of 132 Cyclospora Cases
The FDA is recommending consumers not buy, eat, or serve any fresh basil imported from Siga Logistics de RL de CV located in Morelos, Mexico. They also recommend people not consume or serve uncooked items like pesto or salad that may include fresh basil from Mexico unless there is certainty that the fresh basil was not exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV. If consumers are not able to determine the source of the basil, the FDA recommends it be avoided.
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said,”To protect consumers from this foodborne illness, we are urging New York families, retailers, grocers and restaurants to adhere to FDA’s recommendations by checking the source of the basil and making sure it did not come from Siga Logistics in Mexico. We will continue to work with our state and federal partners on this investigation and ensure our inspectors are educating our retailers about this advisory.”
New York City reports spike in Cyclospora infections
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have often been associated with imported fresh produce. Illness typically results in watery diarrhea, and can include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and fatigue. These symptoms can appear approximately 1-2 weeks after ingestion of the contaminated source. If untreated, symptoms can last as long as one month or longer and can return one or more times. Infection is generally not transmitted directly from person-to-person.
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