Federal health officials have identified additional cases of a diarrhea-inducing parasite linked to shredded lettuce, now affecting four more states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the outbreak, initially associated with Taco Bell restaurants, now includes Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. The investigation previously covered five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
The CDC, along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health officials, is tracing the lettuce supply and interviewing affected individuals about their food consumption two weeks prior to illness. The CDC confirms that the parasite has impacted 1,947 people connected to Taco Bell, with at least 98 hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported. The total number of cases might exceed the official count, as not all cases are reported.
The FDA in a recent update focuses on Taylor Farms as the likely source of the outbreak. Taylor Farms previously recalled iceberg lettuce cultivated in central Mexico. Additionally, the FDA is investigating another cyclospora outbreak affecting 72 people but has not determined the specific products involved.
This outbreak marks a record for cyclospora cases in the United States. Since May 1, the CDC has logged over 4,100 lab-confirmed cases and is investigating over 7,400 probable cases across 41 states. Other potential sources besides Taco Bell could emerge as the investigation advances.
The cyclospora parasite infects food that comes into contact with human feces, typically during irrigation or washing with contaminated water. Ingestion leads to intestinal illness characterized by “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC.
Despite initial suspicions, Mexican health authorities have not detected the parasite in lettuce or water at Taylor Farms in Guanajuato, following inspections in late July. Samples from the plant were collected and analyzed.
Fabiola Sanchez contributed to this report from Mexico City.
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