Cyclospora Outbreak Spreads to 4 New States

A nationwide outbreak of Cyclospora, a parasite linked to lettuce consumption and causing severe gastrointestinal illness, has expanded to four new U.S. states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The newly affected states are Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, joining Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. This brings the total number of states involved in the outbreak to nine. Investigators have traced the source of the illness to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants, which was supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico. Taylor Fresh Foods has subsequently issued a voluntary recall for select lettuce products manufactured by Taylor Farms.

The CDC has advised consumers to avoid eating recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico and to discard or return any purchased recalled lettuce. Since the outbreak's commencement on June 22, a total of 1,947 individuals have been infected with Cyclospora. The CDC has also reported at least 98 hospitalizations associated with this outbreak. The agency noted that the reported numbers may not reflect the full extent of the outbreak, as it may extend beyond the states with confirmed illnesses and includes individuals who traveled to affected states and dined at Taco Bell within two weeks prior to their symptoms appearing. No fatalities have been reported in connection with this outbreak.

Cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, typically infects the small intestine and is characterized by watery diarrhea, frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements. The parasite is commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water. Other reported symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, and nausea. Less frequent symptoms can encompass vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever, and other flu-like symptoms. The duration of illness can range from a few days to over a month.