1999 Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis Linked to Fresh Basil, Missouri
An outbreak of cyclosporiasis occurred among attendees of two events held on 24 July in different counties in Missouri. Restrospective cohort studies of the 2 clusters of cases, which comprised 62 case patients, strongly associated the chicken pasta salad, served at one event, and the tomato basil salad, served at the other event, with illness. The most likely vehicle of infection was fresh basil, which was included in both salads. The basil had been obtained from the same distributor and was either grown in Mexico or the United States. Laboratory analysis of the leftover chicken pasta salad yielded Cyclospora DNA and 1 sporulated Cyclospora oocyst.
- Outbreak began:
- July 1999
- Affected Country:
- US
- Affected States/Territories:
- Missouri
- Organism(s):
-
- Cyclospora
- Vehicle(s):
- Herbs and Spices, Fresh Basil, Chicken Pasta Salad, Tomato Basil Salad
- Molecular Results Available:
- Unknown
- Test Results:
- None
- Location(s):
- Country club, Restaurant
- Brand Name(s):
- Total ill:
- 62
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- Yes
- Number Laboratory Confirmed Cases:
- 17
- Number Probable Cases:
- 45
- Number Possible Cases:
- 0
- Anyone Hospitalized:
- Unknown
- Number Hospitalized:
- Unknown
- Any Deaths:
- Unknown
- Number Dead:
- Unknown
- Any References:
- No
-
- References:
- Lopez et al. CID 2001:32 (1 April)