Cyclospora outbreak worsens by tenfold in Wisconsin, with new cases in Milwaukee area

The number of cyclospora infections reported in Wisconsin, believed to be tied to vegetable trays sold at Kwik Trip stores, has risen more than tenfold in less than two weeks.

As of Wednesday, there were 123 laboratory-confirmed cases in the state, with at least 84 of the individuals sickened telling state health officials they had consumed a Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable tray sold at a Kwik Trip.

Dozens of similar cases have been reported in Minnesota.

Kwik Trip has removed the 6-ounce and 12-ounce vegetable trays from its stores, according to health officials, but the trays may also have been sold at other businesses not yet named by health agencies.

Del Monte Fresh Produce has not answered Milwaukee Journal Sentinel questions about the outbreak believed to be linked to its products in Wisconsin and Minnesota. 

But in a product recall notice, the Coral Gables, Fla., based company said it had voluntarily recalled a limited quantity of vegetable trays containing fresh broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrots and dill dip sold to retailers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.

Del Monte Fresh Produce said the vegetable trays, in sizes from 6 to 28 ounces, were sent to Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Sentry, Peapod, Demond's and other retailers. 

The vegetable trays, in clear plastic containers, had a "Best if Enjoyed By" date of June 17 or earlier, according to the company. 

Minneapolis attorney Ryan Osterholm says he now has more than 75 clients from the outbreak, including many from the Milwaukee area.

Wednesday, he filed a lawsuit in Brown County alleging that one of his clients, a business owner, was severely sickened from one of the vegetable trays.

Cyclospora is a parasite commonly found in developing countries. During the summer, outbreaks and illnesses occur from contaminated fresh produce entering the U.S. from endemic countries.

Washing of imported produce is unlikely to kill the parasite, which can be seen only with a microscope.

Nationwide, from May to August 2017, there were 206 cases of cyclospora infections reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up 134 percent from 88 cases reported in the same period in 2016.

Previous U.S. outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce such as basil, cilantro, lettuce, raspberries and snow peas. Most cases in the U.S. have been reported in the spring and summer.