How does cyclospora compare to some of the worst outbreaks in US history?

(NEXSTAR) – Amid the ongoing investigations into outbreaks of both “explosive diarrhea”-causing cyclospora and salmonella affecting dozens of states, the daily headlines are reminiscent of past foodborne illness crises that gripped the nation.

As of August 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there have been 10,468 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, including those tied to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce sourced from Mexico.

The CDC says there have been more than 12,255 unconfirmed cases, many of which were reported in Michigan, where two people have died.

Meantime, jalapeño peppers – also sourced from Mexico – have been linked to at least 345 cases of salmonella across 27 states. At least three dozen people have been hospitalized, with the outbreak prompting major Mexican food chains Chipotle and Qdoba to pull jalapeños from their menus.

Despite the widespread publicity and thousands of cases involved, the two current outbreaks have so far proven less deadly than some historic, notorious cases.

Contaminated oysters lead to typhoid outbreak (1924)

Oysters contaminated with Salmonella Typhi led to a deadly outbreak of typhoid fever in 1924 that killed 150 people and sickened an estimated 1,500, according to Michigan State University researchers.

Those who died may have been ill for up to three weeks, left “delirious or lying motionless from exhaustion, eyes half closed in what is called ‘the typhoid state,'” according to one report.

The tainted oysters were believed to have been distributed by a company in West Sayville, New York. It was the deadliest outbreak in U.S. history........

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