What to know about Cyclosporiasis outbreak

Over the past few weeks, a disease called cyclosporiasis has been dominating headlines. The parasite that causes it, cyclospora, can be found in contaminated water and raw food.

It’s not unusual for there to be some cases of the disease during any given summer. However, the CDC has counted more than 4,000 cases of it across the country this year. The Illinois Department of Public Health has also been documenting confirmed and probable cases across the state. In the major outbreak that now includes Illinois, iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms was identified as a likely source. But there are other clusters that haven’t been linked to any particular products yet.

Two infectious disease specialists discuss the latest updates, who’s at risk, and what the role is of government in food safety.

GUESTS

Dr. Vidya Sundareshan 
Professor & Chief of Infectious Diseases, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Medical Advisor, Sangamon County Department of Public Health
 

Dr. Sharjeel Ahmad 
Doctor of Infectious Disease, OSF Healthcare Peoria
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine