Update: outbreaks of cyclosporiasis - 1997
Article Abstract:
An nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis in 1997 was probably caused by contaminated raspberries imported from Guatemala. A similar outbreak in 1996 was traced to this source and after that outbreak many farms in Guatemala improved their sanitation systems. However, as of June 11, 1997, there have been 21 clusters of cyclosporiasis in eight US states and one Canadian province. Most occurred since March 19th and the number of confirmed cases totals in the hundreds. Fresh raspberries were served at 19 of the 21 events linked to these outbreaks and were the only food found at all 19 events. Cyclospora can be inactivated by pasteurization or freezing.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Cyclosporiasis and raspberries - lessons for the future
Article Abstract:
The recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis from contaminated raspberries illustrates many problems with the US food supply. The raspberries had been grown in Guatemala, which has only grown raspberries since 1987. Laboratories need to begin testing for emerging infectious organisms. Public health officials should not announce the details of infectious epidemics until their cause is clear. The outbreak was first associated erroneously with California strawberries. It is possible that birds play a role in the contamination of fruit. Irradiation of food could reduce the risk of these kinds of outbreaks.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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An outbreak in 1996 of cyclosporiasis associated with imported raspberries
Article Abstract:
A 1996 outbreak of Cyclospora gastrointestinal infection was traced to raspberries imported from Guatemala. Officials at the CDC were alerted to a developing outbreak of Cyclospora and eventually compiled 1,465 cases from 20 states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. Half the cases were associated with 55 events held during May and June. Raspberries were served at 50 of these events and of 29 events studied in detail, the raspberries definitely or probably came from Guatemala. It was not clear how the raspberries became contaminated with Cyclospora.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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