As a parasitic illness known for causing severe, explosive diarrhea sweeps across the country, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. insists there’s nothing to worry about.
Yet as he spoke Tuesday, the outbreak was still expanding, having already sickened more than 10,000 people across over 40 states, according to state and federal health data.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Kennedy was asked about the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora.
“We do have the outbreak under control,” Kennedy said.
According to the HHS secretary, federal investigators have already traced the source of the outbreak and worked with companies to remove contaminated products from the market.
“We have done extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics and we have identified the source of the outbreak,” Kennedy said. “We, and the companies that are involved, have implemented a recall.”
Kennedy did not immediately identify the recalled products or explain why the number of reported infections has continued to climb as the outbreak has spread across much of the country.
Cyclospora infections are typically linked to contaminated fresh produce or water and can trigger days—or even weeks—of severe diarrhea, along with stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and dehydration if left untreated.
The outbreak now stretches across more than 40 states, making it one of the largest foodborne parasitic outbreaks reported in recent years.
Kennedy’s assurances come as his leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services has faced increasing scrutiny over the federal government’s handling of public health issues.
