Wake, Durham school districts pull salads from menus amid rise in cyclospora cases
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- As thousands of students return to classrooms this week, school districts across the Triangle are adjusting menus and safety protocols in response to the growing cyclospora outbreak, which has already sickened nearly 300 people in Wake County.
Both Durham Public Schools and the Wake County Public School System have temporarily removed fresh produce such as lettuce from cafeterias. Wake Schools said in a statement that "out of an abundance of caution, we are temporarily removing all salads from school menus, including a la carte salads and tossed salads on serving lines," adding that officials will continue monitoring CDC guidance.
UNC Hospitals infectious disease expert Dr. David Weber said the move is appropriate.
"I think it's a reasonable precaution for schools because people worry," he said.
Weber noted that children are particularly vulnerable because cyclospora's severe diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. He also emphasized the importance of proper sanitization.
"You certainly want to do proper cleaning and sanitization of anything you use, like cutting boards and so on," he said. "Children need fruits and vegetables."
You can't really track them necessarily on the label. I think I would stay away from bagged products because if only one piece was contaminated, (it) contaminates the entire amount.- Dr. David Weber, UNC Hospitals infectious disease expert
The FDA announced Monday that a test linking Taylor Farms to the outbreak was a false positive. Walmart previously pulled four lettuce brands - including its Marketside label - from stores in more than 25 states, including North Carolina.
Weber said false positives are not unusual.
"It's unfortunate. It's not entirely surprising... the cyclospora in the patients did not match the ones who may or may not have recovered from the lettuce," he said.
Wake County has reported 295 cases and five hospitalizations, and Weber said pinpointing contamination sources is often difficult.
"You can't really track them necessarily on the label. I think I would stay away from bagged products because if only one piece was contaminated, (it) contaminates the entire amount."
He encouraged consumers to consider local produce.
"Most of these outbreaks have occurred from produce that's grown outside of the United States."
Weber also recommended choosing fruits and vegetables that can be peeled, such as oranges, bananas and cucumbers, until more is known.
Year-round schools are already in session, and traditional-calendar schools begin Aug. 24. Wake Schools said it will adjust menus as new information becomes available. There is no timeline yet for how long CDC guidance will remain in effect.
