Health officials warn of Cyclospora outbreak in Aldi and Hy-Vee brand garden salads

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning of an outbreak of the parasite Cyclospora in packaged salads at grocery stores around the Midwest.

People from six states, including 13 Minnesotans, have reported Cylcospora infections after eating "garden salads" containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage and carrots sold at Aldi, Hy-Vee and Jewel-Osco stores.

The CDC advises all consumers and retailers to throw out the following salad products:

• Aldi Little Salad Bar brand Garden Salad sold in Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota
• Hy-Vee brand Garden Salad sold in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota and Nebraska
• Jewel-Osco Signature Farms Garden Salad sold in Illinois

So far 16 people have been hospitalized in connection with the Cyclospora outbreak; according to the Minnesota Department of Health, none of them are from Minnesota. No deaths attributed to Cyclospora have been reported.

Infection with Cyclospora, also known as cyclosporiasis, is spread through the consumption of fresh produce and is not transmissible from person to person, according to the MDH. Washing produce and use of chemical disinfectants are unlikely to kill Cyclospora.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss. People typically become sick about a week after exposure, but that window could be anywhere from two to 14 days, according to the MDH.

More information on Cyclospora can be found on the MDH website.