Federal public health officials continue to identify more patients in ongoing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses – E. coli, Salmonella, Cyclospora and Hepatitis A.
In an outbreak of E. coli infections from an unknown source, the patient count has grown to 12, up from 11 a week ago. Investigators have initiated traceback efforts, according to an FDA notice, but the agency has not reported what food or foods are being traced. The FDA has not released any patient information, including where the patients live.
The hepatitis A outbreak increased by one to ten and has been linked to frozen strawberries. The Salmonella outbreak has not been linked to a food product.
For an outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis, the case count has increased from 38 to 43 cases in the past week. This incident now includes additional illnesses based on similarities in reported exposures, according to the FDA, however, the agency has not reported what those exposures are. The FDA has initiated onsite inspections and has begun sample collection and analysis, However, the agency has not reported what location is being inspected or what food is being sampled. The FDA has not released any patient information, including where the patients live.
In a separate outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis, the case count has increased from 112 to 118 cases. Cyclospora parasites are often associated with various types of fresh produce, including basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and snow peas. Food safety experts say washing products does not remove the parasite.
In the third outbreak from the Cyclospora parasite at least 210 people across 22 states have been sickened. Public health officials have not yet determined the source of the parasite.