Record U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak is over, CDC says - CNBC
The CDC has declared the end of the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in U.S. history, which sickened nearly 20,000 people. The outbreak was linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce from a Mexican supplier.
Why it matters
The event highlights vulnerabilities in the food supply chain and has prompted calls for stricter food safety oversight.
The largest-ever outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. has ended, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.
The foodborne illness sickened 12,833 people in 21 states in recent months in the largest cluster, the CDC said. Health officials have linked that outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms in Mexico.
It fueled the worst cyclosporiasis season in U.S. history, with 19,595 overall cases of the illness caused by the parasite cyclospora. The U.S. recorded two deaths, both in Michigan, the epicenter of the biggest outbreak.
The foodborne illness spread sparked scrutiny of U.S. food safety procedures and corporate consolidation in the country's food supply, along with staffing and funding at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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