Cyclospora and salmonella outbreaks raise concerns about U.S. food safety
Public health concerns are widening as cyclosporiasis cases surge and a salmonella outbreak across 17 states has many Americans raising concerns about U.S. food safety. Back-to-back cases where people are getting sick from food have put many on edge. William Brangham discussed the concerns with Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University.
Public health officials are increasingly worried about food safety after a surge in cyclosporiasis cases and a salmonella outbreak affecting 17 states. William Brangham spoke with Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, to discuss the concerns. Rivers explained that the cyclosporiasis outbreak is the largest on record, with nearly 4,200 confirmed cases in nine states and over 7,400 unconfirmed cases.
She noted that the addition of a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs is concerning but not unprecedented, as such outbreaks occur monthly. Rivers clarified that the two outbreaks are separate, caused by different pathogens and affecting different food items and states. She also mentioned that the interconnected nature of the food supply means that when outbreaks occur, many consumers are affected.
Rivers stated that the Trump administration's cuts to surveillance monitoring programs may have contributed to the current situation, as a significant reduction in public health workforce capacity can hinder efforts to identify and contain outbreaks.
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