Delaware confirms first case of cyclosporiasis

Key Points:

• Delaware reported its first cyclosporiasis case amid a nationwide outbreak linked by the FDA to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, with contaminated products likely already consumed or removed from shelves.
• The FDA is investigating a new potential cyclosporiasis outbreak involving at least 72 cases, though the source and location remain unidentified.
• Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora parasite, leading to symptoms like watery diarrhea, cramping, and nausea, with symptom onset typically occurring one week after infection.
• The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, often linked to imported fresh produce such as lettuce, raspberries, and cilantro, and is diagnosed through stool sample testing requiring specific requests by healthcare providers.
• Treatment involves a 10-day course of the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, with prevention focused on thoroughly washing produce, hand hygiene, and proper refrigeration of pre-cut fruits and vegetables.