Federal and state health officials are investigating one of the largest cyclosporiasis outbreaks in recent U.S. history, with 1,645 confirmed cases in 31 states and an estimated 5,100 additional cases under analysis. Eighty-six people have been hospitalized and no deaths reported. Michigan has been hardest hit with more than 3,300 cases — far above its typical annual count of 40 to 50. Investigators are examining whether Taco Bell restaurants played a role, according to The Washington Post. No health agency has named Taco Bell as the source, and no specific grower or supplier has been confirmed.
What Is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, that infects the intestines after consuming contaminated food or water. It is not spread person to person. Symptoms appear one to two weeks after exposure and include profuse watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, bloating, and weight loss. Without antibiotic treatment, illness can last days to over a month. Specialized lab tests are required to confirm the infection. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.
What Is Being Investigated?
Michigan health officials identified lettuce and bagged salad greens as the leading suspected source based on 1,000+ patient interviews, though no specific produce, grower, or supplier has been confirmed. Some Detroit-area Taco Bell locations posted signs last week stating they were unable to sell lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo, and guacamole due to a “nationwide recall.” Taco Bell told Bloomberg it “temporarily and voluntarily” removed unspecified ingredients at select locations. Some affected patients ate at Taco Bell; others did not, indicating the outbreak extends beyond any single source. The CDC and FDA are both monitoring the situation.
What Should You Do?
If you develop watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, or fatigue after eating raw produce in recent weeks, contact your healthcare provider and mention possible Cyclospora exposure — standard stool tests do not detect this parasite; a specific test must be requested. Cyclospora is treatable with antibiotics. Washing produce under cold running water may help remove surface contamination but cannot fully eliminate the parasite; cooking to at least 158°F kills it. Until the source is confirmed, monitor guidance from your local health department. The CDC is updating case data more frequently than in previous years.
