CDC is investigating a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to McDonald’s salads
Media Statement
For Immediate Release: Friday, July 13, 2018
Contact: Media Relations,
(404) 639-3286
A CDC investigation is being conducted of a new multistate cluster of Cyclospora infections linked to McDonald’s salads.
Consumers who developed diarrhea after eating McDonald’s salads should see their healthcare provider to be tested for cyclosporiasis and treated appropriately.
Initial Outbreak Investigation Information:
- As of July 13, 2018, 61 laboratory-confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection were reported in people who ate McDonald’s salads.
- The first reported case became ill on May 20, 2018 and the most recent reported case became ill on July 10, 2018, with a median illness onset date of June 28, 2018.
- We have not received complete information for approximately 60% of reported cases, but there are two people known to have been hospitalized.
- The 61 cases come from 7 states―Illinois (29), Iowa (16), Minnesota (3), Missouri (7), Nebraska (2), South Dakota (2), and Wisconsin (2). One of the Wisconsin case-patients dined at a McDonald’s in Illinois.
- The investigation is ongoing and we continue to get new information.
General Cyclospora Information:
- Cyclospora is a type of microscopic parasite. People can become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
- Unlike other foodborne pathogens, Cyclospora is not transmitted directly from one person to another (e.g., by ill food handlers).
- Most people infected with Cyclospora develop diarrhea, but other symptoms can occur, including weight loss, loss of appetite, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- These symptoms begin on average a week (range: 2 days to ≥2 weeks) after ingesting the parasite. In some people, diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized.
- If untreated, symptoms can persist for several weeks or a month or more.
- Anyone can be infected with Cyclospora.
- Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of a Cyclospora infection and report your illness to your local health department.
If you have further questions about this outbreak, please call the CDC media line at (404) 639-3286. If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.
