Couple dozen Illinois residents sick with intestinal parasite linked to garden salads
At least 23 people in Illinois have gotten sick with an intestinal parasite called Cyclospora.
The Illinois Department of Public Health says the cases are linked to a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis possibly connected to consumption of store brand packaged garden salads from Aldi, Hy-Vee, and Jewel-Osco grocery stores
“Although a link has been made to Cyclospora in some Illinois cases, public health officials continue to investigate other sources,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike in a press release. “If you consumed store brand packaged garden salads since May and then developed watery diarrhea, please contact a health care provider about testing and treatment.”
The bagged salads are believed to be linked to Cyclospora, an illness caused by an intestinal parasite.
People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces (stool) that contains the parasite. Cyclospora is not spread directly from one person to another.
Jewel recalled its Signature Farms Garden Salad, which had been sold in 12-ounce bags. The bags have BEST IF USED BY dates of May 16 through July 4 (5-16-20 through 7-04-20). The product has a UPC code of 21130 98135, which can be found on the back of the package and bears the unique plant number S5417
Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure, although some people who are infected may not have any noticeable symptoms. Symptoms may include the following:
- Frequent bouts of watery diarrhea (the most common symptom)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramping, bloating, and/or increased gas
- Nausea (vomiting is less common)
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
Cyclospora infection can be treated with specific antibiotics. If not treated, the illness may last for a few days to a month or longer.