CDC expands largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states - report
US cyclosporiasis cases have reached record levels this year, with the current epidemic among the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent US history.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce to 15 states, according to a report by the Washington Post on Tuesday. The total number of states affected has risen from nine, with Missouri, the hardest-hit state, now reporting 1,095 cases, bringing its total to more than 200 cases on Tuesday alone.
The CDC, whose surveillance lags behind state reporting by several weeks, has recorded a total of 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide, along with over 11,500 suspected cases that have not yet been confirmed through laboratory testing. An FDA investigation traced the outbreak to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants sourced from Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico.
However, authorities continue to investigate other potential sources. While information was not immediately available on the five other states added to the outbreak, individuals familiar with the investigation spoke anonymously to discuss the ongoing case. Patients interviewed by state and local investigators reported consuming Taco Bell before falling ill.
The infection can cause diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to two deaths in Michigan, both of which had significant underlying health conditions.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
