Former CDC Director Warns Cyclospora Risk Extends Beyond Lettuce
Health officials report nearly 12,000 cyclospora cases in the U.S., with new guidance to consider fresh produce beyond lettuce as a potential source.
Michigan health officials said the state has recorded 9,253 cyclospora infections and 160 hospitalizations, part of a Midwest surge that has pushed total U.S. cases close to 12,000, according to CDC data. A second, unrelated outbreak has affected 72 people.
Former CDC director Robert Redfield told "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" that the current risk involves fresh produce from various sources, especially items imported from outside the continental United States. He noted that past U.S. outbreaks have often been linked to produce sourced abroad.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration traced the initial outbreak to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, which sources the vegetable from central Mexico, and the company has voluntarily recalled products distributed in 27 states, including items sold to Taco Bell. Officials also suspect parsley and cilantro may be involved.
"If you look historically at the outbreaks we’ve had in the United States, they’ve really come from produce that was sourced outside of the continental United States," Redfield said.
Redfield said efforts are underway to reduce sourcing from central Mexico and added that additional, as-yet-unidentified sources may exist, echoing former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb’s view that the outbreak is not fully under control.
"I think there have been some serious attempts to stop sourcing from central Mexico right now," Redfield said.
Public health agencies continue to monitor the situation and advise consumers to exercise caution with fresh produce.