More Mississippi Cyclosporiasis cases linked to fresh produce reported
JACKSON, Miss. —
The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting more cases of Cyclosporiasis in the state.
Friday, State Epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson said five cases have been reported across the coast, Delta and Pine Belt.
Recent cases of the intestinal illness have been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. None of Mississippi’s cases are believed to be directly connected with these, Dotson said.
The outbreak has currently affected more than 1,600 people across those five states.
Taylor Farms said Friday that it is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced at a central Mexico farm from the United States market.
Deputy State Epidemiologist Theresa Kittle stressed the importance of taking precautions to avoid the illness.
“They just need to be aware and decrease their chances of becoming infected,” Kittle said.
Symptoms of the illness include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and loss of appetite. Kittle recommended maintaining good hygiene and properly handling food to reduce the risk of infection.
“The best ways to do that are to wash your hands with soap and water after using the restroom, and for your fresh produce, make sure that you thoroughly wash it before you consume it,” Kittle said. “Cutting away any bruises on the produce is a good idea and make sure to refrigerate your food up to two hours after prepping it.”
Symptoms usually take at least one week to appear. Kittle advised anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention.
“They should go seek care from a healthcare provider and tell them what symptoms they are having and how long they have been having those symptoms,” Kittle said.
The illness is not transmitted from person to person.