The FDA, CDC, along with state and local officials are investigating an outbreak of cyclosporiasis that is linked to salads from McDonald’s in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.  So far, 61 people in 7 states have become ill due to this parasite. There have been 2 hospitalizations and no deaths.

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Neilson Barnard
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So what is cyclosporiasis? According to the FDA, "Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite of humans. This parasite, when it contaminates food or water and is then ingested, can cause an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis."  After reading up on this parasite, I have found that it's a pretty scary illness.

Some of the symptoms include diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may also occur. None of which sound pleasant at all. Makes me want to avoid salads all together! If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after eating something that has been contaminated with Cyclospora, you want to see your physician to get it treated because if not, the illness could last from a few days to a month...or longer! Not only that, but according to the FDA, these symptoms may seem to go away, only to return one or more times.

The FDA is currently working with McDonald’s to "identify the common ingredients in the salads identified by those who became sick and to trace back those ingredients through the supply chain." McDonald's has stopped selling salads at all impacted restaurants until they are able to switch to a different salad supplier.

 

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