What is cyclosporiasis, the parasitic illness causing ‘explosive’ diarrhea?

A parasitic illness called cyclosporiasis, causing severe watery diarrhea, is surging across the US, with Michigan reporting nearly 1,000 cases, significantly exceeding its typical annual count. The CDC has identified shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in five states as a source of the outbreak. While rarely life-threatening, symptoms include cramps, nausea, and fatigue, and can last for weeks. The CDC advises consumers to avoid lettuce from affected Taco Bell restaurants and recommends thoroughly washing all produce, or cooking it when possible, to prevent infection.

Taco Bell is indefinitely removing lettuce from its menu in some US states as a precautionary measure due to a potential link to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing explosive diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,645 infections in five states linked to Taco Bell exposure. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised against consuming food items with shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. While no deaths have occurred, 94 individuals have been hospitalized. Taco Bell stated they are replacing lettuce from one supplier and emphasized a shared responsibility for public health.

Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia as the source of a widespread cyclospora outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the source and advised consumers to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce from these Taco Bell restaurants. An FDA investigation pinpointed a single supplier of the lettuce, though the company was not named in federal warnings. Taco Bell has agreed to stop using lettuce from the identified supplier. The CDC is working with the supplier to determine if contaminated lettuce remains on the market. This outbreak has led to over 30 states reporting infections, surpassing previous records.

US health officials are investigating a rising outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite causing an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. Since May 1, the CDC has confirmed 1,645 cases, with numbers expected to increase. Infection occurs by consuming contaminated food or water, often fresh produce like leafy greens, herbs, and berries, which are eaten raw. Symptoms, typically appearing about a week after exposure, include frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and fatigue. While rarely life-threatening, it requires antibiotic treatment. The FDA is tracing potential produce sources, though no specific item has been confirmed. Prevention involves thorough handwashing and rinsing produce, even if pre-washed.

Federal health officials anticipate cyclospora outbreaks, a parasitic illness causing diarrhea, will continue through August across the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,645 cases, with 145 hospitalizations, and is investigating a backlog of over 5,100 cases. While the exact source is unconfirmed, lettuce is being considered a potential culprit, with investigations including Taco Bell locations in Michigan. Cyclosporiasis is transmitted through contaminated food or water and is most common in warmer months. The CDC is working with states to track the outbreak, noting that the true number of infections is likely higher due to mild cases going unreported.

Cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing watery diarrhea, have surged across the United States, with Michigan reporting nearly 1,000 cases, significantly exceeding its typical annual count. Ohio has also seen a sharp increase. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 145 cases in 17 states as of June 16th, though this data is likely an undercount. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite *cyclospora*, spread through contaminated produce and water, and typically occurs seasonally between May and August. While rarely life-threatening, symptoms can be severe and include cramps, nausea, and fatigue, lasting for weeks. The source of the current outbreak remains unidentified, but past outbreaks have been linked to contaminated fruits and vegetables. Health officials recommend thoroughly washing produce, removing outer leaves of lettuce, and cooking produce when possible to prevent infection.

A significant outbreak of the parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis*, causing diarrhea, has affected nearly 1,000 people in Michigan, marking the largest such outbreak in the state's history. Investigations are also underway in 28 other states, with Ohio reporting over 400 cases in its northwestern region. While the source of the infections remains unidentified, Michigan officials reported 992 cases and approximately 40 hospitalizations as of Wednesday. Cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by the parasite, is typically treated with antibiotics and is not usually life-threatening. This outbreak is notable as few U.S. cyclospora outbreaks in the past 20 years have exceeded 1,000 cases. Health officials recommend thorough washing of fresh produce and cooking vegetables to prevent infection.

Multiple US states are experiencing a significant increase in cyclosporiasis cases, a parasitic illness causing severe diarrhea. Michigan has reported nearly 700 cases, far exceeding its annual average. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified over 400 cases across 18 states and is investigating the clusters with the FDA. Cyclosporiasis is spread through contaminated produce and water, with symptoms typically appearing about a week after exposure. While rarely life-threatening, the illness can cause cramps, nausea, and fatigue. Health officials recommend thoroughly washing produce or cooking it to reduce risk.