McDonald ’ s Salads Linked To More Than 100 Cases Of Foodborne Illness

By Debra Goldschmidt, CNN (CNN) — The Illinois and Iowa health departments are investigating outbreaks of a parasite that causes intestinal illness and might be linked to McDonald’s salads, both states confirmed. Illinois is reporting 90 cases since mid-May. Iowa is reporting 15 cases since late June. File photo (Photo Credit: KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images) The cyclospora parasite causes intestinal illness as a result of consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms can begin a week or more after consuming the parasite. They include diarrhea and frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who are infected might also experience loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, nausea, gas and fatigue. Vomiting, headache, fever, body aches and flu-like symptoms can also occur. The illness can last from a few days to a few months and patients might feel better, then get worse again. Patients can be treated with antibiotics. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the illnesses have been reported across multiple counties in the state, although no counties were named. “The initial investigation indicates a link to consumption of McDonald’s salads produced for McDonald’s restaurants. Approximately one-fourth of Illinois cases reported eating salads from McDonald’s in the days before they became ill,” the health department said in a statement. The ...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Consumer Health News Local TV McDonald's Source Type: news