Cyclosporiasis outbreak Michigan lettuce suspect

Michigan Cyclospora Outbreak: Lettuce Eyed as Possible Source

6 verified1 unconfirmed1 contested

A surge in cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan has prompted health officials to investigate lettuce and salad greens as a potential source of the parasitic illness, which causes watery diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Michigan has reported thousands of cases and 44 hospitalizations, though the exact case count varies between official reports. Health officials have conducted more than 1,000 interviews with sickened individuals to trace the outbreak. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, stated that lettuce has consistently come up in patient interviews, though no specific product has been confirmed as the source. The outbreak has also been detected in multiple other states across the country. State and federal health agencies continue to work together to identify the contaminated food item. Michigan typically identifies about 50 cyclosporiasis cases each year, making the current numbers extraordinary.

What’s verified

Michigan has reported thousands of cyclosporiasis cases and 44 hospitalizations.

Health officials have conducted over 1,000 interviews with infected individuals.

Lettuce and leafy greens are under investigation as a potential source of the outbreak.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian said lettuce consistently appears in patient interviews.

Michigan typically reports around 50 cyclosporiasis cases per year.

Symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.

Where accounts differ

One source reports 3,309 cases in Michigan as of July 14, while another reports 2,640 cases as of the same date. Both sources agree on 44 hospitalizations in Michigan.

Not yet confirmed

It remains unclear whether Taco Bell restaurants are linked to the outbreak; signs at some locations cited a recall, but no official nationwide recall has been announced. The CDC has confirmed 843 cases across 31 states, but that is considered an undercount. The New York Times independently confirmed at least 4,800 cases nationwide. One report noted that the CDC reduced its surveillance program for foodborne illnesses last year. New York City has seen 403 cases since May 1. Ohio has reported 177 cases and 28 hospitalizations, with no deaths.