US says more than 1,400 infected by parasitic Cyclospora illness outbreak

Over 4,100 people in the United States have been infected by the parasitic illness cyclosporiasis, with 308 hospitalizations reported across 41 states. US officials suspect lettuce grown in Mexico is the source of the outbreak, leading to a recall of iceberg lettuce by US firm Taylor Farms. However, Mexico's Health Ministry disputes these findings, stating there is no evidence the outbreak originated in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. The US Food and Drug Administration initially reported a positive test for the parasite in Mexican lettuce but later announced it was a false positive. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include prolonged diarrhea and typically appear a week after consuming contaminated food or water.

Health officials have identified iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms as the source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak in the US. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed a sample of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce tested positive for the parasite causing the infections. This lettuce was sold at Taco Bell and Walmart locations. While Taylor Farms voluntarily removed iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the US market on Friday, the positive sample identified was not part of that recall. The outbreak, first detected on May 13th, has resulted in at least 94 hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported. Taylor Farms is working to determine if any of the implicated lettuce lot is still in commerce or in consumers' homes.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that the current cyclosporiasis outbreak is "under control," despite experts warning of continued rising infections. This declaration followed the FDA's reversal on a 27-state recall of shredded iceberg lettuce, which the agency later deemed a "false positive." Kennedy indicated that the source of the outbreak has been identified and involved companies have implemented recalls. The outbreak has affected 34 states, with the Midwest heavily impacted, and has resulted in over 1,600 confirmed cases and thousands more pending according to CDC data. Experts have criticized the CDC's response, attributing delays to past administration cuts to food safety programs.

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.

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.

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.

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.