Cyclospora Outbreak: New Numbers – 658 Ill, 45 Hospitalized, 23 States

Food Poison Journal reports that the CDC reports a total of 636 cases of Cyclospora infection have been reported from 23 states and New York City. The number of cases identified in each area is as follows: Texas (282), Iowa (156), Nebraska (86), Florida (32), Wisconsin (16), Illinois (11), Arkansas (10), Georgia (5), Missouri (5), New York City (5), Kansas (4), Louisiana (3), Connecticut (2), Michigan (1), Minnesota (2), New Jersey (4), New York (2), Ohio (2), Virginia (3), California (1), New Hampshire (1), South Dakota (1), Tennessee (1), and Wyoming (1). Nebraska and Iowa have reported linking the outbreak to Taylor Farms lettuce mixed served at Olive Garden and Red Lobster. The Texas Department of Health (DSHS) reports a total of 304 cases of Cyclospora infection in Texas in 2013 with the vast majority having onsets in June and July. Most Texas cases are reported from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. DSHS is investigating the cases to identify possible common exposures and to determine whether they are linked to an outbreak in other states.