The White House announced on Thursday that it is monitoring a multistate outbreak of a parasite that has sickened more than 400 individuals. Federal health officials are working to identify the contaminated food responsible for the illnesses. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to trace the outbreak's source, affirming that the agencies have adequate resources despite concerns regarding staffing changes.
Leavitt emphasized the commitment to provide necessary resources to the CDC and FDA, stating, "Most importantly, [we're working to] trace the outbreak back to its original source, which we are currently in the process of doing." The CDC has reported that the outbreak is under investigation in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia, with the actual number of cases likely being higher due to untested individuals.
The outbreak has raised concerns as no specific contaminated food has been identified, leaving consumers without guidance on what to avoid. The CDC noted that cyclospora infections have historically been linked to fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs, and berries. Symptoms of infection typically appear about a week after exposure and may include prolonged watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and weight loss. The CDC advises consumers to wash fresh produce thoroughly, cook food when possible, and stay hydrated if symptoms arise. It also recommends that patients specifically request testing for cyclospora, as routine stool tests may not detect it.