Advertisement

McDonald’s salads suspected in U.S. outbreak of parasite illness

Click to play video: 'McDonald’s salads linked to foodborne illness'
McDonald’s salads linked to foodborne illness
WATCH: McDonald’s salads linked to foodborne illness – Jul 13, 2018

McDonald’s salads are the suspected culprit of a parasite outbreak in the U.S.

The departments of public health in Illinois and Iowa both announced Thursday that an investigation into the outbreak is underway.

READ MORE: What you need to know about Cyclospora

Illinois has had 90 cases of cyclospora parasite intestinal illness in the past two months, while Iowa has had 15 reports.

The illnesses are not concentrated in a specific part of Illinois, but spread across several counties, state public health officials said.

WATCH: Why Canada hasn’t issued a recall on romaine lettuce after an E. coli outbreak

Click to play video: 'Why Canada hasn’t issued a recall on romaine lettuce after an E. coli outbreak'
Why Canada hasn’t issued a recall on romaine lettuce after an E. coli outbreak

“The initial investigation indicates a link to consumption of McDonald’s salads produced for McDonald’s restaurants,” a statement from the Illinois Department of Public Health read.

Story continues below advertisement

It added that anyone who developed diarrhea and fatigue after consuming a McDonald’s salad should contact a health official immediately.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Ontario man says eBay shut down sale of 6-year-old McDonald’s cheeseburger and fries

A press release from the Iowa Department of Public Health added that McDonald’s is working with health officials in their investigation.

In an email to Global News, McDonald’s Canada said it is not affected by the issue.

WATCH: More information on cyclospora 

Cyclosporiasis causes, symptoms and cures

Cyclosporiasis is spread through eating or drinking products that contain the parasite cyclospora.

Cyclospora has been found in Canada and is typically linked to imported food, Health Canada explains on its website. Some examples of food include basil, cilantro, certain berries, mesclun lettuce and pre-packaged salad mixes.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Canadians aren’t cooking frozen breaded chicken properly — and it’s causing illnesses

The most common symptom of cyclosporiasis is watery diarrhea, some other ones include bloating and gas, fatigue, stomach cramps, weight loss, mild fevers and nausea.

Those who have the illness need prescription medicine to recover, according to the public health agency, and should start feeling better about two to three days after treatment begins.

Sponsored content

AdChoices