The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its investigation into a cyclospora outbreak, identifying four additional states affected. The outbreak, which initially linked cases to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell, now includes Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.
Growing Concern Over Cyclospora Cases
The total number of people sickened by the outbreak is likely higher than the official tally.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Total cases linked to the outbreak: 1,947
- Hospitalizations: At least 98
- Affected states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania
This outbreak marks the largest recorded in the U.S., with the CDC reporting over 4,100 laboratory-confirmed cases since May 1. Health authorities are investigating more than 7,400 additional likely cases across 41 states.
The FDA has focused its investigation on lettuce from Taylor Farms, which recently recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. This recall comes amid heightened scrutiny as health officials track the lettuce supply and interview individuals who consumed it two weeks prior to falling ill.
Despite the extensive investigation, the FDA is also looking into a separate outbreak of cyclospora affecting 72 people, with no specific products identified yet.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that contaminates food, primarily through contact with human feces. This often occurs when produce is washed or irrigated with contaminated water. Symptoms include severe gastrointestinal distress, characterized by frequent, watery bowel movements.
Mexican health authorities recently reported that the parasite was not found in the lettuce or water at the Taylor Farms facility in Guanajuato. This announcement followed a site inspection where several samples were collected for testing.