Champaign County Affected by Contaminated Lettuce

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is reporting six cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness believed to be linked to packaged lettuce mix. This illness, caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite, is now part of a multi-state outbreak that has affected people in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

The illness has been linked to dozens of branded and private label salad products produced in the Fresh Express Illinois facility that were distributed to retail stores between June 6th and June 26th. The salad mixes in question are said to contain iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and/or carrot ingredients.

If you think that you may be infected with Cyclospora, it is important to immediately consult a physician. Identifying this parasite in stool samples requires unique kinds of laboratory techniques that are not routinely used. Cyclosporiasis and its associated symptoms can last for months if left untreated. Some symptoms, like diarrhea, can return and others, such as fatigue, may continue after gastrointestinal symptoms have disappeared. Although there is a treatment for this illness, it is a sulfa-based drug which some people are allergic to. Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis can include:

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

According to the news release, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you can identify recalled products by looking for Product Code Z178, which is located on the upper-right-hand corner on the front of the package. Additionally, there is a full listing of recalled products available on the Fresh Express recall page. If you or a loved one suffered from cyclosporiasis after consuming recalled packaged garden salad, the attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. are ready to help you and may be able to gain financial compensation on your behalf. Contact our office today at (217) 328-2828.