Infections caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite continue to rise, with Michigan alone reporting an increase of more than 1,000 cases over the weekend.
In connection with the outbreak, Taylor Farms has recalled all iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico. The recall includes shredded iceberg lettuce and salad mixes with iceberg lettuce in 27 states.
As of July 20, Michigan public health officials reported 6,148 cases, up from 5,002 on July 19. Ohio is also recording high numbers, with 2,029 cases reported in the northwest region of the state as of July 20.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not updated outbreak information in several days. The agency reports that only 1,644 people still had cyclosporiasis between May 13 and July 13. Thirty-four states have cases and at least one outbreak, according to the CDC report. In total, the agency said it was investigating an additional 5,100 suspected cases.
The Taylor Farms recall includes iceberg lettuce products from several restaurant chains as well as Walmart and other retailers, but Taco Bell is the only chain to say it has stopped using Taylor Farms lettuce.
Michigan officials studied 190 food exposures at Taco Bell and found that 90% of people said they had eaten iceberg lettuce at one of the restaurants before getting sick.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported finding positive results for Cyclospora in samples of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce. Then, on July 19, the agency withdrew the report. The nature of the parasite makes testing difficult, an agency spokesperson said at a press briefing. Officials said one reason testing for Cyclospora on produce is difficult is because small amounts of Cyclospora on fruits and vegetables can cause illness, but tests may not be sensitive enough to detect it.
Anyone who develops symptoms of Cyclospora infection and has reason to believe they have been exposed to the parasite should seek medical attention. Specific tests are required and antibiotics are used to fight parasites.
Cyclospora infection can cause severe abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and fatigue. Symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure. Although symptoms can be severe enough to send people to the hospital, death from Cyclospora infection is rare. Without treatment, symptoms may last for two weeks, but it is not uncommon for symptoms to come back and last for a month or more.
