Cyclosporiasis Cases Surpass 1,600 in U.S. Outbreak, Source Unknown
6 verified3 unconfirmed2 contested
More than 1,600 lab-confirmed cases of the parasitic intestinal infection cyclosporiasis have been reported across the United States, with thousands more awaiting confirmation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the outbreak but has not yet identified the contaminated food source. The agency is providing updates at least weekly, according to CDC official Gwen Biggerstaff. Investigators have identified a cluster of cases in four states — Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky — that may share a common source. Some Taco Bell locations in Michigan have stopped serving lettuce and other fresh produce as a precaution, but federal officials caution that the investigation is ongoing and could take time. No deaths have been reported.
What’s verified
More than 1,600 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in the U.S., with over 5,100 additional cases awaiting confirmation.
The CDC has identified a cluster of cases in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky that may be linked to a common source.
Some Taco Bell locations in Michigan have stopped serving lettuce and other fresh produce as a precaution during the investigation.
The CDC does not yet know which specific produce items or suppliers are behind the outbreak.
It can take up to two weeks after exposure for symptoms of cyclosporiasis to develop.
Federal officials advise consumers to rinse and cook fresh produce to reduce risk of infection.
Where accounts differ
The number of confirmed cases is reported as "more than 1,600" by one source and as exactly 1,645 by another, though both figures indicate a similarly large outbreak.
No other conflicting reports identified across sources.
Not yet confirmed
The exact number of hospitalizations (more than 140, reported by a single source) and the age range of confirmed cases (2 to 95, also from one source) have not been corroborated by a second source.
The total number of states affected (34, from one source) has not been confirmed by the other source.
The specific mention of FDA acting deputy commissioner Donald Prater’s comments on lettuce appears in only one source.
Key figures
Gwen Biggerstaff, CDC Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases
Donald Prater, FDA acting deputy commissioner for food
Dr. Christopher Attaway, University of Vermont
Sources: NPR, statnews.com
