Map Shows 17 States Hit by Largest Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Lettuce
The FDA said Maine and Massachusetts have been added to the list of states tied to the outbreak.
Seventeen states now comprise the largest cyclospora outbreak in the United States, which health officials have traced back to iceberg lettuce from Mexico. The FDA updated its listing on Thursday to include Maine and Massachusetts, raising the total number of affected states from nine to 17. The outbreak, which began last week, now encompasses 9,481 confirmed cases of cyclospora infections, with 398 people requiring hospitalization. Michigan reported the first two deaths associated with the outbreak earlier in August.
The FDA is collaborating with the CDC and state/local partners to investigate the source of the contamination, which is believed to be shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell. The company confirmed it has removed all potentially implicated products from its restaurants and is working with suppliers to ensure no further contamination.
Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite, causes gastrointestinal illness marked by frequent bowel movements. It typically enters the food supply through contaminated water used for irrigation or washing. Symptoms can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks after exposure and may last more than a month without treatment.
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