While federal authorities linked a separate multi-state outbreak to Taco Bell, state officials report that North Carolina’s cases do not currently appear to be associated with that specific cluster.
Rising Case Counts in Wake County
Public health reports indicate a significant rise in cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. In Wake County alone, health department officials have confirmed more than 300 cases since May 1, according to ABC11 News. The outbreak has resulted in 13 hospitalizations across the state, with the majority of these cases concentrated in Wake County.
The symptoms associated with the parasite are severe, often described by those affected as explosive diarrhea.
Patients frequently report a cycle of frequent bathroom visits, leaving them unable to sleep for extended periods. One Chicago-area man, who sought treatment at Northwestern Hospital, described the toll of the illness:
“It was just every hour and a half going to the washroom. I don’t think I slept more than an hour and a half continuously in the last week.”
Alonso Zaragoza, via NBC 5 Chicago
Investigation Challenges and Food Sources
Tracing the origin of cyclospora is notoriously difficult for investigators. Because symptoms can take anywhere from two to 14 days to appear after exposure, patients often struggle to recall their specific food history by the time they are interviewed. WRAL reported that WakeMed Urgent Care Medical Director Dr. Christopher Chao noted the delay in diagnosis frequently complicates contact tracing.
“Most patients don’t get sick for at least a week, and by the time we interview them, and by the time we try to identify the source, no one can really remember where they ate or what they ate.”
Dr. Christopher Chao, WakeMed Urgent Care Medical Director
While the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has not identified a definitive source for the state’s surge, officials noted that common culprits in past outbreaks include fresh produce such as parsley, cilantro, and lettuce. Dr. Carl Williams, the State Public Health Veterinarian for NCDHHS, emphasized that identifying a common source is complicated by the fact that these ingredients are often mixed into complex meals.
The Taco Bell Outbreak and Federal Monitoring
A separate, nationally tracked outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states. Despite the national headlines, NCDHHS has explicitly stated that the North Carolina surge does not currently appear to be connected to the Taco Bell-linked infections.
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring cases across 34 states. Experts suggest that tracking these outbreaks is further hindered by recent cuts to public health surveillance systems, such as the FoodNet program, which previously monitored a broader array of pathogens.
Prevention and Medical Guidance
Public health officials continue to advise residents to wash fresh produce thoroughly.
In Wake County, local agencies are coordinating with the NCDHHS, the FDA, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to monitor potential links. As Jennifer Brown, the Public Health Deputy Director in Wake County, stated to ABC11 News: We are doing our best to monitor that, inform the public, and work closely with our partners to share messages of prevention risk reduction.