Quick takes: More US measles, Cyclospora spike in Michigan, frozen blueberries and E coli

News brief
Topics
Measles
Cyclospora
E coli
Foodborne Disease
  • Measles cases continue to climb across the United States, with 2,170 confirmed cases reported in the United States as of late last week, 36 of which are new, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ninety-three percent of cases are part of 31 outbreaks tracked so far this year. All but 12 of this year’s cases have been locally acquired as several states battle ongoing outbreaks. Hot spots include Utah, which is now reporting 514 cases (seven new), according to the CDC measles map. The Utah health department, however, lists 502 cases (three new). Virginia is reporting 145 cases (16 new in the past week). Pennsylvania officials report 89 cases (five new), but the CDC map shows 90 cases in the state, seven of which are new. 
  • Over the holiday weekend the number of reported cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan has increased by 300 cases to 572, state health officials said on July 4. The cases are mostly reported in southeast Michigan, including Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland, and Livingston counties. The source of the outbreak has still not been determined, but the parasite, which causes severe, watery diarrhea, has been linked in previous outbreaks to fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas, salad kits, and green onions. Cases are rarely fatal, and infections can be treated with antibiotics.
  • Frozen blueberries sold at Publix stores have been recalled after they were linked to a dozen Escherichia coli cases, Food Safety News reported. The berries come from a Chilean distributer and are sold under the Comfrut brand. The organic berries were exclusively distributed to Publix stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. There has been no officials reporting of the cases by the US Food and Drug Administration or the CDC, but the company said all 12 cases occurred from May 11 to June 5 of this year. 

This week's top reads

  1. What we truly know about the huge US Cyclospora outbreak—and what we don’t

    As the outbreak continues, identifying the source of Cyclospora remains a challenge.

    Meghan Holohan
    Woman clutching her stomach

  2. Iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in 5 states linked to Cyclospora outbreak, says FDA

    The lettuce originated from one supplier in Mexico. People in the 5 states are urged to skip eating shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell. 

    Meghan Holohan
    Iceberg lettuce

  3. After withdrawing false-positive test, FDA says Taylor Farms lettuce still a focus of Cyclospora investigation

    A day after implicating the brand in the outbreak, re-examination of the test result led the agency to retract the finding.

    Meghan Holohan
    Iceberg lettuce sliced in half

  4. Hundreds of thousands of Americans live with the long-term effects of polio

    Sen. Mitch McConnell is one of up to 300,000 Americans living with post-polio syndrome, a set of symptoms that occur decades after the original infection.

    Liz Szabo
    Senator Mitch McConnell exits a vehicle on October 30, 2024, in Bourbon County, Kentucky.

  5. New study offers clues about long COVID’s brain symptoms

    Problems like brain fog and fatigue are common among long-COVID patients, and the findings point to changes in the brain’s dopamine system. 

    Laine Bergeson
    Jacob Wackerhausen

  6. The resistance gene that’s causing ‘nightmares’ in US hospitals

    A gene that makes bacteria resistant to most antibiotics is on the rise. Public health officials want to know where else it’s lurking.

    Chris Dall
    Illustration of CRE bacteria in blue on black background

  7. Senate committee grills CDC director nominee Erica Schwartz

    A Senate committee questions President Trump’s nominee about her support for vaccines and willingness to stand up to RFK Jr, with mixed results.

    Liz Szabo
    Erica Schwartz, the nominee for CDC director, wears a military uniform while speaking next to an American flag.

  8. ‘Why would you repeat the damn lies?’ Cassidy asks health security nominee about vaccines

    The nominee for assistant secretary for preparedness and response has a track record of vaccine skepticism.  

    Sarah Boden
    Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, during a hearing of the Senate HELP Committee.

  9. More babies having uncontrolled bleeding tied to reduced vitamin K shots at birth

    The concerning trend appears to be driven by parents refusing vitamin K shots, which guard against a rare but life-threatening blood disorder, for their newborns.

    Sarah Boden
    Newborn with dark hair sleeps on white bedding.

  10. Changes to Medicaid could have severe consequences for Americans with HIV

    A new work requirement rule goes into effect in January. Experts anticipate higher rates of HIV transmission. 

    Sarah Boden
    A collection of antiretroviral pills to treat an HIV infection. The pills are various colors: light green, light blue, light pink, dark pink and bright red.

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