Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that spreads through food contaminated by human feces or through vegetables irrigated or washed with contaminated water.
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The outbreak of Cyclospora parasite infection, which causes diarrhea, has spread to four more states in the United States. With this, the scope of the largest-ever Cyclospora outbreak in the US has now reached nine states.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak, initially linked to pre-cut lettuce (lettuce leaves) served at Taco Bell restaurants, was previously limited to Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Currently, the CDC, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and relevant state health agencies are identifying the supply chain of the contaminated lettuce and investigating the foods consumed by patients prior to infection.
The number of people infected in connection with the lettuce has reached 1,947. Of these, at least 98 have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported so far. However, since not all cases are recorded in official records, the actual number may be higher, according to the CDC.
According to the FDA, the investigation has concluded that the likely source of the outbreak is lettuce from Taylor Farms. Last week, the company recalled iceberg lettuce produced in central Mexico. Meanwhile, the FDA is also investigating a separate outbreak of Cyclospora infection affecting 72 people. The food product linked to that outbreak has not yet been identified.
According to the CDC, since May 1, the number of laboratory-confirmed Cyclospora cases in the US has exceeded 4,100, and more than 7,400 additional suspected cases are being investigated in 41 states. As the investigation continues, officials have indicated that other brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution chains could also be linked to the outbreak.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that spreads through food contaminated by human feces or vegetables irrigated and washed with contaminated water. Once inside the body, it can cause repeated and sometimes severe diarrhea and other intestinal problems, according to the CDC.
