Washington: U.S. health authorities have expanded their investigation into a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The investigation now covers nine states, after four additional states—Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania—were linked to the outbreak.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has so far resulted in 1,947 reported illnesses and 98 hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported. Officials believe the actual number of infections may be higher because many cases go unreported or are not laboratory confirmed.
Investigators have linked many cases to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico and served at Taco Bell restaurants. Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall of affected lettuce products and temporarily suspended operations at its central Mexico facility while the investigation continues.
The CDC says more than 4,173 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported nationwide since May 1, while over 7,400 additional suspected cases are still under review. Health officials are working to determine which infections are connected to the lettuce outbreak and which may be part of separate clusters.
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic disease that spreads through contaminated food or water, particularly fresh produce. Symptoms include prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. The illness can be more severe in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The FDA has advised consumers not to eat recalled products and urged retailers and restaurants to remove them from sale until the investigation is complete. Health authorities continue to trace the source of contamination and monitor new cases across the country.
