T97-22 Arthur Whitmore: 202-205-4144 June 10, 1997 CDC Press Office: 404-639-3286 Consumer Hotline: 800-532-4440 OUTBREAKS OF CYCLOSPORIASIS AND GUATEMALAN RASPBERRIES We have been receiving inquiries about recent U.S. outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness resulting from ingestion of the Cyclospora parasite. The following may be useful for answering questions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fresh raspberries from Guatemala are the likely cause of outbreaks of cyclosporiasis that have occurred since mid-April in at least seven states including California, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island and Texas. CDC and FDA are cooperating in investigating the outbreaks, examining epidemiological evidence and tracing the source of implicated raspberries. FDA and CDC were informed by the Guatemalan government and the Guatemalan Berries Commission on May 30 that the country's growers voluntarily suspended shipment of fresh raspberries to the United States. FDA is working with CDC, the Guatemalan government and the Guatemalan Berries Commission to determine when the country may resume shipment of fresh raspberries to the United States. FDA believes that few if any fresh raspberries from Guatemala remain on the U.S. market due to the short shelf life of the commodity. However, if any consumers, distributors, caterers, restauranteurs or retail establishments are holding fresh raspberries labeled as Product of Guatemala, they should not serve, sell or eat them. FDA is advising consumers who have recently eaten fresh raspberries from Guatemala and who are suffering diarrheal illness to see a doctor for diagnosis and possible treatment for cyclosporiasis. Cyclospora infects the small intestine and causes watery diarrhea with frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, substantial loss of weight, bloating, increased gas, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, low-grade fever and fatigue. Symptoms usually develop about a week after consuming contaminated product. Cyclospora infection can be successfully treated with appropriate antibiotics. FDA will convene a public meeting in July to review the science on Cyclospora on fresh produce and its control. The date and other details of that meeting will be made public when they are available. ####
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