CDC says cyclospora outbreak has expanded to nine states
Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has spread to nine states See where cases are rising and what officials say about the recalled product
The CDC said Friday that the largest U.S. cyclospora outbreak this year has grown to nine states and is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce. The newly affected states are Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, joining Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Michigan.
Cyclospora is a parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water and can cause a gastrointestinal illness marked by severe diarrhea. Health officials said some patients have needed hospitalization, but no deaths have been reported.
Federal investigators have focused on shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, which issued a voluntary recall for lettuce from its Guanajuato, Mexico, facility. Taco Bell also removed the product from restaurants after it was identified as a likely source. The CDC said 1,947 people in the nine states have reported illness after eating at Taco Bell, with symptoms first appearing in midMay and cases continuing through July 20.