The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded a major cyclosporiasis outbreak to nine states following a contamination of shredded iceberg lettuce.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded a major cyclosporiasis outbreak to nine states following a contamination of shredded iceberg lettuce. Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania joined the original five states—Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia—in the investigation. The outbreak, which was initially linked to lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants, has resulted in 1,947 confirmed cases and at least 98 hospitalizations. Michigan reported the highest number of cases, with over 8,000 people affected. The parasite, which causes frequent bowel movements, was traced back to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from central Mexico. While the official tally is 1,947, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that the true number of sick people is likely much higher because many individuals recover without seeking medical care. The Food and Drug Administration continues to monitor the situation, though it recently clarified that a previous sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms was a false positive. Mexican health officials reported that the parasite was not detected in the water or lettuce at the specific Taylor Farms plant.