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What is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora infection is a serious gastrointestinal illness caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a single-celled parasite that grows in the intestines of humans.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Del Monte vegetable tray induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was infected with the Cyclospora parasite, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE: Del Monte Vegetable Trays Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak

In June 2018, at least 78 people were infected with Cyclospora after eating Del Monte vegetable trays. A recall was issued for veggie trays that were sold in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin at these stores:

  • Kwik Trip
  • Kwik Star
  • Demond’s
  • Sentry
  • Potash
  • Meehan’s
  • Country Market
  • Food Max Supermarket
  • Peapod

Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Salad from Mexico

In July 2013, an outbreak of cyclosporiasis was traced to imported salad from Mexico that was sold at Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants in Iowa and Nebraska. Since then, over 550 people in 19 states have fallen ill, and Texas is the hardest-hit state.

What is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that causes a gastrointestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. Symptoms of Cyclospora infection include severe, watery diarrhea that can persist for months. People with prolonged diarrhea can suffer dehydration, and they may need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous (IV) fluids. Treatment for Cyclospora infection is a combination antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra).

How is Cyclospora Infection Spread?

The Cyclospora parasite grows in the small intestine (bowel) is people who are infected. It spreads through the fecal-oral route, and it is transmitted to people who ingest contaminated water or foods. Cyclospora has an incubation period of about 1-2 weeks, which is why it is not very contagious, and it is rarely transmitted directly from person-to-person.

What Causes Cyclospora Outbreaks?

Large outbreaks of Cyclospora food poisoning usually occur when water contaminated with sewage is sprayed on fresh produce, which is then shipped to the United States and eaten raw. Since the 1990s, Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh salad, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, snow peas, and basil.

How Common is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is an emerging problem that is becoming more common. The first cases were reported in the 1970s among travelers in tropical and sub-tropical regions, where Cyclospora is endemic. Between 1997 and 2008, there were 1,110 laboratory-confirmed sporadic cases of cyclosporiasis in the United States.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has kept track of Cyclosporiasis Case Counts in Texas since 2001. Between 2001-2011, there were about 50 cases. In 2012, there were 44 cases. In 2013, at least 250 people have fallen ill.

Cyclospora Resources & Information

Do I have a Texas Cyclospora Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Del Monte vegetable tray induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was infected with the Cyclospora parasite, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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