Cyclospora cayetanensis (photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
The number of cyclosporiasis cases continues to go up across the country, including here in Louisiana. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein says while Louisiana’s number pales in comparison to the hardest-hit state, Michigan, the cases here continue to rise.
“Our data spotlight this week shows 125 cases in Louisiana, with six hospitalizations and, happily, no deaths,” Greenstein noted.
State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says the most recent cases involve two clusters of six cases, and investigators determined that romaine lettuce was the culprit.
“These individuals ate at the same restaurant; two different restaurants in two different parts of the state. And the only common fresh ingredient that they all ate, as they had different meals, was romaine lettuce,” Sokol explained.
The FDA is currently working to determine what the source of that lettuce is. Up until now, contaminated lettuce that has caused cyclosporiasis had been traced to Mexico.
Greenstein says with cyclospora causing severe dehydration, it’s important to take extra precautions these days when handling not only lettuce, but any fresh produce.
“Don’t leave your food out in the heat. Wash fruits and vegetables very well and store them properly and quickly. Follow the CDC (www.cdc.gov) or the FDA’s website (www.fda.gov)for the latest details on food recalls and market withdrawals,” Greenstein advised.
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