Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Expands to Four New States – What Lettuce Consumers Must Know

cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads to nine states

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms the cyclosporiasis outbreak has jumped from five to nine U.S. states, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to the list that already included Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

Since the first case on June 22, ↑ 1,947 people have been reported sick, with ↓ 98 hospitalizations. No fatalities have been recorded.

“Do not consume recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. Discard or return any product you may have purchased,” the CDC advises.

The contaminated product, shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell outlets, traces back to a Mexican supplier for Taylor Farms. Taylor Fresh Foods has issued a voluntary recall of the implicated batches.

Typical symptoms include watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea, loss of appetite, cramping, bloating and fatigue. Less common signs are vomiting, fever and body aches. Illness can linger from a few days up to four weeks if untreated.

Consumers who bought the recalled lettuce should throw it away immediately. For ongoing updates, see Reuters or the CDC’s official site.