CDC Reports on Cyclosporiasis Cases of in the United States, May–August 2018

CDC reports that this summer (May–August 2018) the total number of laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired cyclosporiasis (as of October 1, 2018) was 2,299. At least 160 people were hospitalized; no deaths were reported. The number of people that became sick with cyclosporiasis is significantly higher than the numbers of cases reported for the same period in 2016 and 2017. Several large outbreaks were reported during this period. Roughly one-third of ill people were associated with two large outbreaks :(i) An outbreak linked to prepackaged vegetable trays (containing broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots) sold at a convenience store chain, and produced by Del Monte. (ii) An outbreak linked to salads (containing carrots, romaine, spinach, kale, and varietal red leaf lettuce) sold at McDonalds and produced by Fresh Express. Some of the increase can be ascribed to the increased use of a multiplex molecular assay to examine stool specimens. Other types of fresh produce contributed cases. Two basil-associated clusters of eight confirmed cases each were identified. Multiple cilantro-associated clusters were identified. The lack of validated molecular typing tools for Cyclospora prevented linking more cases to particular products. @ https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2018/c-082318/index.html