Rare parasitic disease not so rare for Wisconsin, nation this year

The McDonald’s salad related sickness that’s been found in 15 states is typically pretty rare in the U.S.

Now, however, there is a second big outbreak of the same health issue in the nation this year.

Cyclosporiasis is a microscopic parasite of humans. It’s usually found in undeveloped countries and related to fecal matter on food.

Simple washing won’t get rid of it.

The feds just confirmed cyclosporiasis as the cause of sickness in 507 people nationwide, including in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.

McDonald’s has pulled an affected salad mix because of the outbreak.

Earlier this summer, hundreds of other people — mostly from Wisconsin — were sickened by cyclosporiasis that apparently came after eating Del Monte vegetable trays, most of which were purchased from La Crosse-based Kwik Trip.

Last month, McDonald’s stopped the sale of salads at 3,000 restaurants after people became sick from a parasite causing intestinal illness.

The most common symptom of cyclosporiasis is diarrhea. Other symptoms can include appetite loss, intestinal pain, nausea and fatigue.