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RFK Jr says cyclospora outbreak is ‘under control’ after FDA recall reversal
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that the cyclosporiasis outbreak, caused by the cyclospora parasite, is "under control" after extensive epidemiological investigations and recalls by involved companies.
- The outbreak has affected 34 states, primarily in the Midwest, with over 1,600 confirmed cases nationally and Michigan alone reporting more than 6,500 cases, making it likely the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak recorded in the US.
- The FDA initially recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from 27 states due to contamination concerns but later retracted the recall after determining the positive test was a false alarm.
- Experts criticized the CDC's slow response, attributing it partly to budget and staffing cuts during the Trump administration, including reductions in surveillance programs and federal lab personnel.
- Cyclospora is a parasite that thrives in warm conditions and spreads through contaminated food and water, with symptoms appearing 2 to 14 days after infection; the outbreak is expected to continue through August despite containment efforts.
