Basil Suspected in Cyclospora Outbreak
June 4, 2005
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Contaminated fresh basil is suspected as the most likely cause of an outbreak of the parasitic illness cyclospora that has sickened 300 Floridians, state health officials said Friday.
Officials don't know where the basil came from, or where it is being sold, said state Health Secretary John O. Agwunobi.
A spokesman for the Health Department said the federal Food and Drug Administration has agreed to try to trace the product and find out where it came from.
The disease isn't fatal, but can cause severe diarrhea and other painful symptoms.
Cases have been reported in 32 Florida counties in all regions of the state going back to April.
Health officials say people should wash fresh produce to prevent food-borne illnesses, but say that washing may not prevent cyclospora infection.
Cyclospora are microscopic, one-celled organisms that can contaminate fresh produce and burrow in the small intestine.
The illness can be treated with antibiotics or could pass naturally within a period of a few days up to a month.
