LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Kentucky health officials are investigating at least 192 cases of cyclosporiasis, including 30 in Jefferson County, as part of a national surge that has confirmed or placed under investigation nearly 7,000 cases since May 1 and sent at least 140 people to the hospital.
CNN reports shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms has been linked to the ongoing outbreak, though other sources are still being investigated. The illness is caused by a microscopic parasite typically spread through contaminated fresh produce. Leafy greens are among the suspected causes.
The outbreak has raised concerns among consumers and restaurant workers alike. At Locals Food Hub & Pizza Pub, food prep manager Avery Fithian said employees have been asking questions about the risk.
“A lot of fear. The employees here have all been kind of talking about it, asking me questions about if that’s something they should be worried about with our food,” she said.
Fithian said all produce that comes through the restaurant gets soaked and scrubbed — sometimes twice — and inspected thoroughly.
“I make sure all of the lettuce is perfect as much as I can. Every morning I come in and I go through it, honestly, make sure I take out anything that is looking a little rough,” Fithian said.
Fithian said those practices were not adopted in response to the outbreak. The restaurant sources produce and most other goods from small farms across Kentucky and inspects every delivery for quality and cleanliness. She said avoiding large supply chains and setting standards beyond federal requirements makes a difference.
“It’s these big corporations, these fast food businesses that kind of drop the standard for preparing food and making sure that it is quality and not going to make our people sick,” she said. “I feel like that’s where a lot of the illness is coming from.”
Fithian said the restaurant’s local focus also lends itself to consumers’ trust.
“We’re not only representing ourselves. We’re representing the people that grew all of this food, and how much money and effort and time and energy and resources were put into bringing it to us,” she said.
Health officials say anyone who develops symptoms — including acute and watery diarrhea, cramping, and fatigue — in the days after eating out should see a doctor. Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness had not responded to a request for comment as of publication.
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Dining and Cooking