Salinas-stemmed Cyclospora outbreak spreads to hundreds across US
An outbreak of infections from a parasite linked to McDonald’s salads produced by Salinas-based company Fresh Express continues to grow.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said more than 500 people in 16 states have fallen sick from the illness.
According to the FDA, an unused package of “fresh express” salad mix tested positive for Cyclospora.
Symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and body aches, can last anywhere from several days to a few months and can be treated with antibiotics.
McDonald’s said in July it had removed the mix from affected restaurants.
On Tuesday, Fresh Express announced it has formed a panel of independent scientific experts to help better understand the parasite and learn how to prevent future outbreaks.
