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Foodborne Illness

All articles tagged with #foodborne illness

Cyclospora outbreak nears 16,000 cases, driven by lettuce-linked cluster
health4 days ago

Cyclospora outbreak nears 16,000 cases, driven by lettuce-linked cluster

CDC reports 15,716 lab-confirmed cyclospora infections across 47 states and DC since May 1, with cases still rising but the weekly increase slowing. Two deaths and 828 hospitalizations have occurred, and about 11,841 suspected cases await confirmation due to a six-week reporting lag. The largest cluster is linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico, causing 9,481 cases and 398 hospitalizations across 17 states as of Aug. 13, while multiple other clusters remain under investigation.

2026 Cyclospora Outbreak Becomes Largest U.S. Foodborne Illness Event Linked to Lettuce
public-health7 days ago

2026 Cyclospora Outbreak Becomes Largest U.S. Foodborne Illness Event Linked to Lettuce

A 2026 multistate Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Fresh Farms has sickened over 9,400 people across 17 states as of Aug. 13, marking the largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history. The piece notes that one of the worst overall foodborne incidents was a 1994 salmonella outbreak linked to ice cream from a Minnesota factory, infecting an estimated 224,000 people. It also notes that about one in six Americans contract a foodborne illness annually, that norovirus is the most common pathogen, and that public health networks like PulseNet (created in 1996) help detect outbreaks, while policymakers push for new food-safety policies.

Outbreak Watch: Florida Faces Multiple Foodborne Illness Alerts Across Lettuce, Berries, Nuts, and More
health17 days ago

Outbreak Watch: Florida Faces Multiple Foodborne Illness Alerts Across Lettuce, Berries, Nuts, and More

Florida faces a surge in foodborne illnesses linked to iceberg lettuce (cyclospora), frozen blueberries and mixed berries (E. coli), several snack mixes (salmonella), pistachio nut butter (salmonella), cheeses (Listeria), and jalapeños tied to Salmonella; recalls and cautions are in effect, with authorities urging consumers to discard affected products and monitor for symptoms.

McHenry County probes spike in cyclosporiasis cases, source not yet identified
health17 days ago

McHenry County probes spike in cyclosporiasis cases, source not yet identified

The McHenry County Health Department reports 61 cyclosporiasis cases since June 25, more than five times the count during the same period in 2025, with investigators still seeking a source. Symptoms often begin about a week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, cramps, and nausea. Officials urge continued monitoring and remind residents to follow routine food-safety practices, including thorough washing and cooking of fresh produce, as the investigation remains active.

Summer Salmonella Surge: Eggs, Jalapeños, Backyard Poultry and Pets Tied to Outbreaks
health18 days ago

Summer Salmonella Surge: Eggs, Jalapeños, Backyard Poultry and Pets Tied to Outbreaks

Health officials are facing multiple, concurrent salmonella outbreaks in the U.S. linked to eggs from Texas, jalapeño peppers from Mexico, backyard poultry, and pet veiled chameleons, sickening hundreds across dozens of states and causing one death; guidance stresses clean, separate, cook and chill to prevent infection, while antibiotics are usually reserved for severe cases and doctors distinguish salmonella from cyclospora in diagnosis.

Protect Your Plate: Practical Tips Amid Nationwide Foodborne Outbreaks
health-and-fitness18 days ago

Protect Your Plate: Practical Tips Amid Nationwide Foodborne Outbreaks

With nationwide outbreaks of salmonella, Cyclospora, and other pathogens, health officials urge safer dining and food-handling habits—cook chicken and ground meats thoroughly, use pasteurized eggs for sauces, avoid buffet foods left at room temperature, and report suspicious or spoiled-looking food; investigations point to jalapeños linked to Chipotle and Qdoba and lettuce grown in Mexico, among other outbreaks in baby formula and produce.

Cyclospora Outbreak Turns Deadly as Michigan Reports First Fatalities
health20 days ago

Cyclospora Outbreak Turns Deadly as Michigan Reports First Fatalities

Two Michiganders have died from cyclosporiasis in what officials call the year’s first outbreak-related fatalities, as the U.S. grapples with a record-spreading cyclospora problem across 45 states, with thousands of confirmed and pending cases; the largest cluster is linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, though other outbreaks lack identified sources. Vulnerable populations face higher risk, while authorities urge thorough handwashing and washing produce to reduce infection risk.

Cyclospora outbreaks spark salad-safety reminders as protein-maxxing is questioned
health21 days ago

Cyclospora outbreaks spark salad-safety reminders as protein-maxxing is questioned

Cyclosporiasis outbreaks traced to iceberg lettuce across nine states (with parsley/cilantro linked to a separate cluster) prompt caution: wash or cook produce to reduce risk. Separately, a new review suggests trimming protein intake may extend lifespan, via hormone and metabolic pathways, though the evidence mostly comes from animal studies. The episode also touches on climate-driven wildfires and brain-fatigue research.

Illinois braces for ongoing cyclospora outbreak tied to lettuce, experts warn
health23 days ago

Illinois braces for ongoing cyclospora outbreak tied to lettuce, experts warn

Public health officials warn that cyclospora infections are rising in Illinois and nationwide, with many cases likely uncounted; the outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, prompting recalls and advice to avoid bagged greens, thoroughly rinse produce, and cook when possible. Illinois reports 707 confirmed/probable cases and 47 hospitalizations, concentrated in Chicago and suburban Cook County, while health experts urge vigilance and timely care for symptoms like watery diarrhea to prevent dehydration.

Minnesota Remains Out of Nationwide Cyclospora Outbreak, Health Officials Report
health24 days ago

Minnesota Remains Out of Nationwide Cyclospora Outbreak, Health Officials Report

Minnesota reports 98 cyclosporiasis cases since May but says the large U.S. outbreak linked to contaminated produce has not reached the state; no Minnesota-linked cases or evidence of contaminated items distributed locally. Part of the national outbreak has been tied to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, prompting recalls, though source tracing is challenging due to cyclospora’s long incubation and environmental contamination. Cyclospora spreads via contaminated produce or water, not person-to-person; preventive steps include safe food handling and cooking produce. If diarrhea persists, see a healthcare provider for treatment, which typically lasts 7–10 days with antibiotics and fluids.

Colorado grapples with July surge in salmonella as investigators search for the source
health26 days ago

Colorado grapples with July surge in salmonella as investigators search for the source

Colorado health officials report a significant July increase in salmonella cases—more than 250 since the month began, well above the five-year July average of about 125. No source has been identified yet, though investigators are tracing possible food links and conducting whole-genome sequencing. A nationwide shell eggs outbreak under investigation may be related, but no Colorado connection has been confirmed. Public health guidance emphasizes handwashing, avoiding cross-contamination, cooking foods to safe temperatures, proper refrigeration, and seeking medical care if symptoms develop, especially for young children, older adults, or people with underlying conditions.

Factory farming accelerates evolution of Campylobacter and its antibiotic resistance
science28 days ago

Factory farming accelerates evolution of Campylobacter and its antibiotic resistance

A study of nearly 2,800 Campylobacter genomes from chickens and wild birds across 30 countries shows that intensified factory-style chicken farming accelerates cross-species transmission and genetic mixing, boosting antimicrobial-resistance traits. The resulting diversity raises the risk of harder-to-treat infections in people, as global chicken numbers soar and farming becomes denser. Published in PNAS, the research links the scale of poultry production to rapid pathogen evolution and highlights ongoing antibiotic-use as a contributing factor.

NYC's Warming Summers Bring More Heat, Floods and Health Threats
health29 days ago

NYC's Warming Summers Bring More Heat, Floods and Health Threats

Climate change is heightening New York City’s summer health threats—extreme heat, wildfire smoke, heavy rainfall and flooding, Legionnaires’ disease, tick-borne illnesses, and foodborne outbreaks—stretching public health resources. While not every outbreak is climate-driven, experts warn hotter, wetter summers are likely to recur, prompting policy, infrastructure, and community-safety measures to protect vulnerable residents.

From Adventurer to Advisor: Dr. Zink’s Traveler Health Playbook
travel1 month ago

From Adventurer to Advisor: Dr. Zink’s Traveler Health Playbook

Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s former chief medical officer, offers a traveler’s health playbook: guard against foodborne parasites like cyclospora (avoid shredded lettuce and wash produce), stay hydrated, protect against sun, use compression socks and move around on long flights, and keep a.medication list handy. She also emphasizes buying travel insurance tailored to risk, notes the safety benefits of strong public-health systems, and draws on her adventurer background to stress proactive emergency planning and preparedness.

Six Hidden Foodborne Foes Doctors Warn About More Than Cyclospora
health1 month ago

Six Hidden Foodborne Foes Doctors Warn About More Than Cyclospora

Although cyclospora outbreaks draw attention to parasites, a TODAY piece notes that six major foodborne threats—Vibrio vulnificus, Listeria monocytogenes, Botulism, STEC, Salmonella, and Toxoplasmosis—pose greater overall risk to Americans (about 48 million sick yearly). It also provides basic prevention: cook to safe temperatures, refrigerate foods promptly, avoid honey for infants, and use proper canning techniques.