North Carolina Health Department Warns of Rising Cyclosporiasis Cases, Urges Produce Precautions
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has issued a warning about an increase in cyclosporiasis cases, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite. From May 1 to July 14, 307 cases and 13 hospitalizations were reported in the state. The outbreak in North Carolina is not linked to a separate outbreak in five other states involving iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. Instead, local cases have been associated with foods like lettuce, cilantro, and parsley. Health officials are advising residents to thoroughly wash produce to prevent infection. Concerns have been raised about the underfunding of federal programs like the CDC and FDA, which could impact the monitoring and management of such outbreaks. 
