Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Linked to Taco Bell Lettuce Affects Over 5,000 in Michigan
A major outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, has impacted over 5,000 people in Michigan. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have linked the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
While Michigan currently reports the highest number of infections, the outbreak is national in scope. Since May 1, cases have been reported in 34 to 45 states, with over 1,600 infections linked to Taco Bell and more than 100 hospitalizations confirmed. Health officials note that these numbers are likely underreported because symptoms often mimic common stomach bugs, leading many to recover at home without seeking medical care.
Source of the Contamination
The produce supplier identified as the source of the contaminated lettuce is Taylor Fresh Foods. According to company statements and federal officials, the lettuce originated from a farm in central Mexico. Following the FDA’s findings, Taylor Fresh Foods announced on Friday that it is removing all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico from the U.S. market indefinitely. Taco Bell confirmed that it has removed the affected Taylor Farms lettuce from its restaurants and its nationwide supply chain.
For more on this story, see Taco Bell Lettuce Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak Across 34 U.S. States.
Understanding Cyclosporiasis
Cyclospora cayetanensis is an intracellular parasite that infects the lining of the intestines. The primary symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea, which can persist for weeks or even months if left untreated. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, body aches, headaches, and low-grade fevers. The parasite is transmitted through the consumption of food or water contaminated with human feces. The oocysts, or egg-like structures, require a warm environment to mature before they become infectious, which is why outbreaks are more common during the summer months.
This follows our earlier report, Taylor Farms Linked to Cyclosporiasis Outbreak.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure, making it difficult for patients to identify the specific source of their infection. Diagnosis requires medical testing. While many individuals may recover without medical intervention, physicians often treat confirmed cases with a combination of the antibiotics trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, commonly sold as Bactrim, which starves the parasite of essential vitamins.
Prevention and Safety
Health authorities emphasize that standard hygiene practices are essential to preventing infection. While alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against Cyclospora, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom and before preparing food is recommended.
For those concerned about food safety, the parasite is killed when produce is heated to at least 158°F. Cleaning produce with vinegar has also been cited as more effective than using running water alone.
Read also: Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Spans 34 US States.
Foods Frequently Linked to Past Outbreaks
* Leafy Greens: Bagged salads, spinach, iceberg, and romaine lettuce.
* Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, and basil.
* Berries: Raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
* Raw Vegetables: Snow peas, green onions, carrots, and celery.
Health officials expect the number of cases to continue rising until late August. As the investigation continues, officials advise that those who have recently eaten at Taco Bell should not be concerned unless they develop symptoms of cyclosporiasis.
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