Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Spreads to 31 States

An ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak has spread to at least 31 states across the U.S., with Michigan reporting over 4,000 cases, according to state health officials. The outbreak, which began on May 1, has also significantly affected Ohio and New York, with both states reporting a large number of infections. As reported by Reuters and CBS News, the CDC identified a likely link among cases in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, suggesting many of the infections may stem from a common source.

According to multiple sources including UPI and PBS, investigators have identified shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants by California-based supplier Taylor Farms as a potential source of contamination. In response, Taco Bell voluntarily removed some ingredients from select restaurants in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana as a precautionary measure. However, the chain stressed that U.S. health authorities had not linked the outbreak to any specific food item or supplier.

The CDC reported 1,645 lab-confirmed cases of domestically acquired cyclospora since May 1 and is aware of more than 5,100 additional reports that require further analysis. According to Dr. Gwen Biggerstaff, deputy director of the CDC's Foodbourne, Waterbourne and Environmental Diseases division, the true number of infections is almost certainly higher because many people with mild illness recover without seeking medical care and are never tested.

Health officials have advised consumers to purchase whole heads of lettuce rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes. They recommend removing the outer two or three leaves before washing the remaining ones under running water. Cooking produce is also suggested as a safe option to eliminate potential contamination. The CDC and FDA are continuing their investigations into multiple produce items, including locations reported by case patients before they became sick.