Nearly 2,000 people in the US infected with parasite, suspected from eating lettuce

The US is expanding an investigation into nearly 2,000 people infected with a parasite and 98 hospitalizations across nine states, suspected to be linked to eating shredded iceberg lettuce.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are expanding an investigation into a Cyclospora parasite outbreak. This outbreak is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from Central Mexico, with additional cases recently reported in four new states, according to Reuters. The FDA stated on 24/7 that the outbreak has spread to nine states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

A total of 1,947 individuals have been confirmed with Cyclospora infection, primarily linked to dining at the Taco Bell restaurant chain in these nine states. Of these, at least 98 cases required hospitalization, though no fatalities have been reported. The Oklahoma Department of Health is working with the FDA to determine if more cases are connected to this outbreak.

Lettuce. Illustrative photo: *RNZ/Carol Stiles*.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food through human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with polluted water. Ingesting this parasite can lead to intestinal infection, characterized by persistent diarrhea, as reported by the CDC. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. Some individuals experience vomiting, body aches, headache, and fever, while others remain asymptomatic.

Without prompt treatment, the illness can result in dehydration and severe complications requiring specialized medical care, lasting from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may also disappear and then recur one or more times. Immunocompromised individuals face a higher risk of more severe and prolonged illness, along with complications that necessitate close medical monitoring.

Since the beginning of the year, Cyclospora infections have appeared in at least 41 states. Officials are still working to determine how many cases are directly linked to the outbreak from shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to the Taco Bell restaurant chain.

Previously, on 17/7, Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled shredded iceberg lettuce products originating from Central Mexico from the US market, as confirmed by the FDA. Taylor Farms' recall includes Marketside brand products sold at Walmart supermarkets, specifically "Iceberg Salad" and "Shredded Lettuce" with best-by dates from 18/7 to 3/8. This recall applies to products sold at retail stores, served in restaurants, and distributed to food service clients.

The FDA advises the public to avoid all products included in the Taylor Farms recall. The company has temporarily closed its processing plant in Central Mexico, which US health officials identified as being connected to the outbreak.