The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has broadened its investigation into a cyclospora outbreak, revealing that there are now thousands of confirmed cases in over a dozen states. This intestinal illness first surfaced in July, with people experiencing severe diarrhea after consuming shredded lettuce at Taco Bell. Health officials traced the problem back to contaminated lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.
The FDA stated that, based on further interviews, the outbreak now includes individuals who had exposure to Taco Bell or recalled eating iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. As of now, there are 6,358 reported cases across 15 states, with Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina added to the list since the last update on July 24.
The outbreak reportedly began on June 22, nearly a month before Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled all lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17. Since then, the illness, known as cyclosporiasis, has led to 278 hospitalizations and two deaths in Michigan.
The FDA anticipates that the number of confirmed cases may continue to rise, as it can take up to six weeks for the CDC and state officials to confirm if a sick person is part of the outbreak.
Cyclospora is a single-celled parasite that may lead to symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss. Some infected individuals may not show any symptoms. Typically, symptoms appear about a week after infection and can last from a few days to a month, often improving before returning.
The FDA has reiterated its advice for consumers and retailers to dispose of any affected lettuce, including Marketside-branded products sold in grocery stores in 27 states as of early July. Health officials also recommend that anyone who has eaten this lettuce should sanitize surfaces that might have come in contact with it and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
