Parasite Outbreak: McDonald's Salad Sickness Tally Now Over 500

CHICAGO, IL — The FDA and CDC are now confirming 507 cases of parasite infections linked to McDonald's salads. Cyclospora infections have now been confirmed in 16 states, and Illinois is the hardest hit with 273 cases, up from 219 less than a month ago.

Cyclosporiasis, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces that contains the parasite, as Cyclospora is not spread directly from one person to another.

Cases of the illness have also been reported in Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Chicago-based McDonald's halted the sale of salads at 3,000 of its locations last month, blaming lettuce supplier Fresh Express. "The additional states identified by the FDA and CDC are among the same states where ... we proactively decided to remove our lettuce blend in impacted restaurants and replace it through a different supplier," the company said in a statement.

A week earlier, McDonald's said it is "committed to the highest standards of food safety and quality control. We are closely monitoring this situation and cooperating with state and federal public health authorities as they further investigate."

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No products have been recalled in connection with the parasite outbreak.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, symptoms of cyclosporiasis begin about a week to up to two weeks after exposure, although some people who are infected may not have any. Symptoms may include the following:

• Frequent bouts of watery diarrhea (the most common symptom)
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Cramping, bloating, and/or increased gas
• Nausea (vomiting is less common)
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever

Anyone who experiences symptoms should contact their doctor, health officials said.

The CDC said the salad-related cyclosporiasis is not believed to be related to a similar parasite outbreak linked to several Del Monte vegetable trays, which were recalled in June.

In Skokie, more than 100 people also became infected with the parasite after attending an event at a golf club in June.

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