Updated on July 31, 2013 at 9:38 a.m. --
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) said a prepackaged salad mix may be the source of a Cyclospora outbreak, after an investigation by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA).
Out of the nearly 150 people affected, the DIA determined that 80 of those has been exposed to the same prepackaged salad mix.
A spokesperson from the IDPH said that the mix, that contained iceberg and romaine lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage, has been removed from stores in Iowa.
The department said it is always a good idea to wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Original story published on July 30, 2013 at 12:08 p.m. --
A parasitic infection potentially linked to fresh vegetables has affected nearly 150 people in Iowa.
As of July 29, 2013, 145 cases of Cyclospora infections had been reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
That gives Iowa the distinction of having the most Cyclosporiasis cases reported so far in 2013. Texas had just over 100 cases reported, followed by more than 75 cases reported in Nebraska.
In Iowa, Linn County had the highest number of Cyclospora cases reported at 42. In our area, three cases were reported in Des Moines County and one case each were reported in Cedar, Johnson, Jackson and Washington counties.
More than 370 cases were reported in 15 states. That number represents about 100 more cases reported since July 24.
The parasite causes flu-like symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, headaches, body aches and low-grade fever.
The source of the infections remained undetermined, but health officials remained focused on fresh vegetables as a possible source.
Illinois health officials previously reported at least one Cyclospora infection, and that number was up to four reported cases as of July 29.