DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is investigating an increase in Cyclospora infections that appear to be connected to consumption of McDonald’s salads. The Illinois Department of Public Health has noted a similar increase in cases associated with the product.
“This summer there have been several clusters of Cyclospora illness associated with various foods that are commercially available. This week IDPH has identified 15 Iowans who ate McDonald’s salads in late June to early July prior to getting ill,” said Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “Anyone who ate these salads since the middle of June and who developed diarrhea, especially watery diarrhea and fatigue, should see their health care provider and get tested for Cyclospora to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.”
McDonald’s is concerned about this situation and has been fully cooperating with IDPH, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. McDonald’s and involved federal partners continue to investigate to determine what further steps should be taken.
Cyclospora is a parasite commonly found in developing countries, but in the past several years, several outbreaks have occurred in the U.S., especially during the summer months. These outbreaks and illnesses often occur as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce. Symptoms of Cyclospora infection include:
Frequent watery diarrhea
Loss of appetite and weight
Cramping, bloating, and/or increased gas
Nausea (vomiting is less common)
Fatigue
Low-grade fever
It may take a week or more after consuming contaminated product for symptoms to begin.
If you have any of these symptoms, see your health care provider who can specifically order Cyclospora parasite testing and provide appropriate treatment. IDPH and local health department personnel are continuing to conduct interviews with individuals who test positive for Cyclospora and further cases may be identified.
7 thoughts on “Cyclospora infections linked to Mcdonald’s restaurants in Iowa”
OMG. It’s in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, and the Dakotas. All the Midwest states. Screw this. Just stick to the good ole’ standard California hamburger (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle) and you wouldn’t have this problem. The hygiene in the picking fields isn’t the best. Who knows what else is lurking in these salads people eat. Worms for sure. Always soak your fresh produce for a bit. Be safe.
Please be advised. Drop the ‘S’ from the word descent to form the word decent. Thank you for your cooperation. (my girlfriend was groping me). lmao
You need to tell your girlfriend to keep his hands off you while you are typing.
Make sure to scrape the green stuff off big macs, mchickens, and fish sandwiches too. Now if they could just make a descent hamburger patty. Oh, the genius of that simple idea.
Definition of descent
a : derivation from an ancestor : birth, lineage of French descent patrilineal descent
b : transmission or devolution of an estate (see 1estate 4b) by inheritance usually in the descending line
c : the fact or process of originating from an ancestral stock the descent of modern humans and chimpanzees from a common ancestor
d : the shaping or development in nature and character by transmission from a source : derivation
… could trace a faint but sure descent from Roman law. —R. W. Southern
2 : the act or process of descending from a higher to a lower level, rank, or state begin our descent down the mountain
Mexico used wastewater for irrigation. There are health concerns about the reuse of wastewater in agriculture. Article didn’t mention which developing country. don’t matter. I don’t like getting watery diarrhea.
Korea and China use waste water too.