Bagged Salad Cyclospora Illnesses Continue Rising: 641 Cases in 11 States With No End in Sight

 Continuing with their ongoing investigation, the CDC has announced an increase in Cyclospora cases, with 641 illnesses, 37 hospitalizations, and zero deaths. Confined to 11 states (GA (1), IA (195), IL (198), KS (5), MN (73), MO (57), NE (55), ND (6), PA (2), SD (13), WI (36)), recalls were made nationwide in a combined 32 states, with a total of 91 products recalled by Fresh Express. 

Illinois continues to lead the way with the most reported cases of Cyclospora infections (198), followed closely by neighboring state Iowa (195). The CDC believes that the ingredients red cabbage, carrots, and iceberg lettuce are the source of the Cyclospora contamination that caused the outbreak. The Fresh Express production facility in Streamwood, Illinois has been deemed responsible for the outbreak, though no incident has been isolated as the root cause of contamination. Cyclospora infections, known as cyclosporiasis, present as typical food poisoning symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea. Symptoms typically begin after 4-6 of consumption, so the continuing increase of reported illnesses was expected. Because the last recall was made on June 27, 2020, reports of illnesses may continue into August. 

Several victims of the outbreak have already begun to seek compensation, including Laure Guisinger who, with the assistance of Ron Simon and Associates, filed a lawsuit against Fresh Express for her Cyclospora infection that caused severe symptoms and required hospitalization. If you or someone you know has been affected by the outbreak and are in need of legal assistance, contact Ron Simon and Associates to discuss your personal case. Mr. Simon and his law firm have also established a Cyclospora Claim Center to assist victims in the outbreak, which can be reached toll-free at 1-888-335-4901, or by visiting www.foodpoisoningnews.com or www.gardensaladlawsuit.com.