US health officials report that more than 1,400 people have been infected in an outbreak of the parasitic illness Cyclospora, which they say may be linked to lettuce grown in Mexico. Mexico's Health Ministry disputes that connection.
Key facts
- More than 1,400 people have been infected, according to US officials.
- The outbreak involves the parasitic illness Cyclospora.
- US officials say evidence points to lettuce grown in Mexico.
- Mexico's Health Ministry disputes the claimed link to its lettuce.
US officials say more than 1,400 people have been infected in an outbreak of the parasitic illness Cyclospora, according to Al Jazeera.
Officials in the United States say evidence in the outbreak points to lettuce grown in Mexico as a possible source of the infections.
Mexico’s Health Ministry disputes the claim that its lettuce is connected to the outbreak, according to the same report.
The competing statements leave the source of the outbreak a point of disagreement between authorities in the two countries, as the reported case total exceeds 1,400 people.
Why it matters
A foodborne parasite outbreak affecting more than 1,400 people raises public health concerns and can prompt scrutiny of fresh produce supply chains. The dispute between US officials and Mexico's Health Ministry over the suspected source underscores the challenges of pinning down the origin of cross-border food safety incidents.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have been infected in the Cyclospora outbreak?
US officials say more than 1,400 people have been infected, according to Al Jazeera.
What do US officials believe caused the outbreak?
US officials say evidence points to lettuce grown in Mexico as a possible source.
Does Mexico agree with the US assessment?
No. Mexico's Health Ministry disputes the claimed link to its lettuce, according to the report.