A Cyclospora outbreak at Taste restaurant in South Haven, MI has sickened eight people since June. State health officials say there is no indication that the illnesses are the result of poor food safety practices at the restaurant and that other establishments may be identified as the investigation progresses. At least 14 other suspected, but not yet confirmed cases in Southwest Michigan are being investigated. None of the confirmed or suspected cases is related to an increase in reports of cyclosporiasis statewide and nationally.
Working with local authorities, state health officials are conducting traceback investigations of suppliers to the restaurant and reviewing food histories of the confirmed case-patients. They are asking anyone who recently ate at Taste and is now suffering symptoms such as watery diarrhea and stomach cramps to see a doctor. Cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics.
Cyclospora is a parasite associated with sub-tropical climates. It is often associated with travel to developing countries. But, increasingly, summertime outbreaks linked to imported produce are being reported. Some of them involving restaurants.
Last summer, for example, multi-state Cyclospora outbreaks were linked to salads sold at McDonald’s and Del Monte veggie trays sold at Kwik Trip stores. And this summer, an outbreak has been linked to Cooper’s Hawk restaurant in Jacksonville, FL. Our law firm has represented clients in all three of those outbreaks. In fact, our lawyers have represented more clients in recent large-scale Cyclospora outbreaks than any other firm in the U.S. If you have been sickened in this outbreak, use the form below to contact him and put Pritzker Hageman’s winning Cyclospora Team to work for you.