WASHINGTON — A multistate outbreak of the foodborne parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis has sickened hundreds of people across the United States, prompting federal and state health officials to intensify efforts to trace the source of contaminated produce as infections continue to rise.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across more than 30 states since early May, with investigators examining thousands of confirmed and suspected infections. Health officials said the outbreak has already exceeded the number of cases typically seen during a full year, although no deaths have been reported.
The CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said they have identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia as the source of one outbreak cluster. Investigators traced the lettuce to a single supplier in Mexico, though officials said other clusters remain under investigation and may involve different food exposures. Taco Bell said it had already removed the affected lettuce and stopped using products from the implicated supplier.
Michigan remains the hardest-hit state, reporting more than 4,300 cases and over 100 hospitalizations, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Additional epidemiologically linked cases have also been identified in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky, while health authorities continue to investigate illnesses reported elsewhere in the country.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which spreads through food or water contaminated with fecal matter. According to the CDC, symptoms include prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite. Older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe illness, although the infection is generally treatable with antibiotics.
Federal investigators said traceback work remains underway to determine whether additional produce items contributed to other outbreak clusters. Previous U.S. outbreaks have been associated with fresh herbs, leafy greens and other produce typically consumed raw.
Health officials urged consumers to follow food safety guidance, including washing fresh fruits and vegetables, while noting that washing alone may not always eliminate the parasite. They advised people experiencing persistent diarrhea after consuming fresh produce to seek medical care, as the investigation into the nationwide outbreak continues.
