Cyclospora, found in shredded iceberg lettuce at some Taco Bell restaurants, has reportedly caused severe diarrhea in some people. While officials have established this connection, they are still investigating other potential sources, according to ABC News.<\/p>\n
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cited by ABC, the number of cases of cyclosporiasis has exceeded 11,500 in 41 states. About 4,100 cases have been confirmed by laboratory tests, and approximately 7,400 more cases are awaiting confirmation. More recent data from the CDC indicates that cyclosporiasis has been reported in 45 states.<\/p>\n
Investigators continue to investigate possible sources and isolated outbreaks across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have identified Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce, sourced from central Mexico, as the cause of illnesses linked to Taco Bell restaurants in at least nine states.<\/p>\n
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal disease caused by the parasite Cyclospora. Symptoms can take a week or more to appear, making it difficult to remember what a person ate and challenging for healthcare providers to identify the source of the infection.<\/p>\n
The main symptom is watery diarrhea, but other symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea and low-grade fever may also occur.<\/p>\n
\u00ab"Cyclosporiasis is a pathogen that typically doesn't cause people to be seriously ill enough to require hospitalization," infectious disease expert Dr. Graham Snyder told ABC, "so people might have diarrhea and say, 'Oh, it's just diarrhea, I'll get over it,' and many recover without treatment, so they might not get diagnosed.".<\/p>\n
Unlike some bacteria, this parasite cannot be easily cultured and identified in the lab, so researchers must rely more on surveys and pattern recognition.<\/p>\n
The Hill also reported that cuts to USAID funding have made it difficult for researchers to track the spread of Cyclospora.<\/p>\n
Contamination can expose weaknesses in industrial food production, such as inconsistent hygiene practices. Prompt notification and clear product recall notices can help limit further illnesses.<\/p>\n
Health officials continue to interview patients and try to identify the sources of contamination. Investigators will then be able to trace the origin of ingredients through distributors and farms to identify possible points of contamination.<\/p>\n
ABC News reported that Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico from 27 states. The products were distributed between June 29 and July 16 and had a best-before date of August 3.<\/p>\n
ABC News also reported that Taco Bell announced it would stop using Taylor Farms de Mexico salad in all its restaurants. The FDA's announcement of a false positive from another source only added to the confusion, but for now, the recommendations remain in effect.<\/p>\n
To protect yourself and others, check your home for any recalled lettuce and contact your doctor if you continue to experience gastrointestinal symptoms.<\/p>\n
According to ABC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it could take up to six weeks to determine whether the illness is part of this outbreak.<\/p>\n
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