The largest cyclosporiasis outbreak on record has expanded to nine states, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigating over 11,500 suspected cases this summer.
Data released by the CDC shows 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases and an additional 7,400 under investigation. The Washington Post reported that the investigation, initially covering five states, has now expanded to nine.
Lettuce linked to outbreak
Iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants was linked to cases in the first five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Newly included states are Illinois, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also reported cases related to the outbreak.
The CDC says 41 states are reporting cyclosporiasis cases, which typically occur in summer. Investigators are working to determine which cases belong to the nine-state outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which issued a voluntary recall.
FDA investigates separate cases
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its website on Thursday to reflect a separate investigation into 72 cyclosporiasis cases not yet linked to a specific product. Smaller outbreaks in states like North Carolina have been linked to parsley and cilantro.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite cyclospora, which can contaminate raw produce via feces. Symptoms include explosive, watery, relapsing diarrhea that can last weeks.
