Cyclospora Outbreak Continues to Spread with New Symptoms Reported

Rising Case Numbers Across the Country

As Cyclospora cases rise nationwide, state health departments report thousands of infections, notably in Michigan. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 1,645 cases across 34 states, with 141 hospitalizations, but no deaths. Additionally, more than 5,100 cases are under review, potentially linked to the outbreak.

Lettuce Connection and Product Recall

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC identified shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico, produced by Taylor Farms, as a potential source. The FDA advised avoiding this lettuce in Taco Bell locations in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Taylor Farms is preparing a recall, although details are pending.

Personal Account of Illness

Chase Strangio, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), fell ill after consuming lettuce and cilantro at a work lunch. Initially thought to be a stomach virus, his symptoms included nausea, fever, and diarrhea, followed by intense stomach cramps and loss of appetite.

Strangio and others at the lunch experienced similar symptoms. After another attendee tested positive for Cyclospora, Strangio’s own test confirmed the infection. Severe stomach cramps were his most debilitating symptom. He lost weight and needed intravenous fluids, experiencing lingering fatigue and anxiety about eating uncooked food.

Common Cyclospora Symptoms

Prolonged watery diarrhea, severe fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and increased gas.

Treatment Options

The CDC recommends the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for treatment. Hydration is crucial to counter dehydration from diarrhea. Strangio improved with medication, although some colleagues could not take it and remained ill.

Source of Cyclospora

Cyclospora cayetanensis originates from human fecal contamination of food or water. It is resilient against washing but can be inactivated by heat. Contamination is common in fresh produce through contaminated irrigation or processing water. The parasite is not typically spread person-to-person and needs time to mature in environmental conditions.