Cyclosporiasis outbreak in the US, by the numbers - CNN

What the report says

CNN reported that U.S. health officials are investigating an unusually large seasonal surge of cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, which can spread through contaminated fresh food or water. Federal officials have identified more than 11,500 domestic cases this season, including 4,173 confirmed cases and about 7,400 others still under laboratory review. The CDC has linked 1,644 cases to a major multistate outbreak, which CNN said appears to be the largest U.S. cyclospora outbreak recorded to date.

The outbreak identified by the CDC involves Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, with Michigan reporting the highest state total during the investigation period. State and federal officials have focused on shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms as the likely source, particularly lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants. The CDC has advised people not to eat Taylor Farms de Mexico shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in the affected states.

CNN reported that Taco Bell has removed Taylor Farms lettuce from its restaurants and national supply chain, while Taylor Fresh Foods is pulling iceberg lettuce from central Mexico from the U.S. market. Taylor Farms also recalled iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states, including some sent to Walmart, Jack in the Box and food service customers. The FDA is still examining whether contaminated lettuce reached additional locations.

Symptoms can take days or up to two weeks to appear and may include watery diarrhea, appetite loss, cramping, bloating, nausea and fatigue. At least 94 people tied to the current outbreak have been hospitalized, according to the CDC, and no deaths have been reported. CNN noted that cases commonly rise in spring and summer, but this year’s totals are far above recent seasons.