Cyclospora: major lettuce-linked outbreak declared over

The multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce has been declared over. The CDC made that determination on September 11, according to the FDA. The food safety agency is nevertheless continuing its investigation: ending the monitoring of an outbreak does not mean every circumstance surrounding the contamination has been established. [1]

Figures that should not be confused

As of September 8, authorities had recorded 19,595 laboratory-confirmed cases in the United States for the period under review. More than 12,000 were associated with this major outbreak. The national total therefore includes other cases; it would be inaccurate to attribute all 19,595 infections to the lettuce supplier concerned. [1]

The FDA says it is continuing to investigate both the outbreak linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico and other clusters observed during the summer. The CDC’s declaration concerns the identified outbreak. It is not a general guarantee that the entire food supply chain is free of risk. [3]

Understanding the contamination

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food or water. According to the FDA’s fact sheet, it causes an intestinal infection. Direct transmission from one person to another is unlikely because the parasite must spend time in the environment before becoming infectious. These characteristics explain the focus on water and agricultural practices. [3]

In a September 11 letter to industry, the FDA calls for stronger prevention throughout the supply chain: growing, harvesting, packing, processing, distribution and sales. It emphasizes water management, worker health and hygiene, and sanitation of facilities and equipment. [2]

After the emergency, prevention

The agency also acknowledges gaps in knowledge and practices that it wants to examine with businesses. The next step is therefore to draw lessons from the investigation and improve how they are applied. Assessing the health impact and preventing future contamination follow different timetables, even after the outbreak has officially ended. [2]