Foodborne Illness Outbreak Spreads to Nine States
A large outbreak of cyclosporiasis has now affected nine states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This concerning situation involves cases reported in Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, which have been linked to outbreaks in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and especially Michigan.
While the rise in reported cases might not indicate a spike in new infections, it does help clarify the unusual surge in cyclosporiasis cases this summer. “We’re getting more complete information about the outbreak,” said Gwen Biggerstaff, the CDC’s deputy director for foodborne and waterborne diseases. As states gather more data from interviews with affected individuals, the picture is becoming clearer.
So far, the CDC has confirmed nearly 1,950 cases across the nine states. The likely source of infection is shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which was voluntarily recalled from U.S. markets last week.
“We know this lettuce has been distributed to various places across multiple states,” explained Kari Irvin, a deputy director with the FDA. She added that the FDA is closely monitoring the CDC’s case counts to ensure all affected products are removed from the market.
Investigations revealed that many sick individuals had eaten at Taco Bell in June, prior to the notable increase in cases. In response, Taco Bell removed lettuce from its menu before the recall announcement.
The FDA is now assessing whether other farms might be involved in the outbreak. “Our current data continues to focus on the growers already identified,” Irvin stated.
Reports indicate nearly 12,000 confirmed or suspected cyclosporiasis cases across the country, with Michigan facing the most significant burden, accounting for almost 8,000 infections. The CDC has also dispatched staff to assist Ohio, which has reported 2,596 cases.
Additional cases have emerged in states not previously linked to the ongoing outbreaks. New York has reported 632 cases, while North Carolina has documented 561. Preliminary findings suggest that parsley and cilantro may play a role in North Carolina’s recent cases.
Irvin noted that the FDA is handling several investigations related to the origin of the outbreaks, emphasizing the complexity of identifying all sources. As the situation evolves, public health officials are urging vigilance and continued monitoring.
