USA: 34 states affected by foodborne illness

The United States is facing a sharp increase in gastrointestinal illnesses linked to a foodborne parasite. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports nearly 7,000 confirmed or suspected cases of cyclosporiasis in 34 states, a number far exceeding the few hundred cases recorded annually.

Contamination occurs through contaminated food or water, often unwashed fresh fruits and vegetables, explains Gwen Biggerstaff, a CDC official. Symptoms—severe diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite—can last for several weeks and sometimes recur, according to the American Medical Association.

This Friday, U.S. health authorities attributed the outbreak of intestinal infection to a parasite found in lettuce sold by the Taco Bell fast-food chain, the CDC announced.

This surge has reignited criticism of budget cuts made last year to federal health agencies, which reduced their capacity to monitor foodborne pathogens.

  Frank Verain

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