Additional Coverage:
- FDA investigating second, smaller cyclosporiasis outbreak (usatoday.com)
Federal health authorities are currently investigating a new outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has affected at least 72 individuals, adding to a significant nationwide increase in cases caused by the foodborne parasite. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet determined the source of this latest outbreak and has begun a traceback investigation to identify its origin.
This recent outbreak is distinct from a larger, ongoing multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which has already resulted in more than 1,640 confirmed cases. Since May, the total number of cyclosporiasis cases nationwide has exceeded 4,100, according to federal health officials.
The FDA reported the new cluster of 72 cases on July 22, noting that it has not been connected to any particular product or geographic area. Efforts are underway to trace the cases and find the cause.
The larger outbreak, traced to iceberg lettuce grown in Guanajuato, Mexico, has affected Taco Bell locations across five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed over 1,640 laboratory-confirmed infections in this outbreak. Cyclosporiasis typically causes symptoms such as severe diarrhea.
As of now, the CDC reports more than 4,100 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across 41 states since May 1. The agency notes that its case numbers may lag behind state reports by up to six weeks due to the time required for tracking and verification. All but four states-Hawaii, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and North Dakota-have reported cases.
The CDC also estimates that the actual number of infections could exceed 10,000, with more than 7,400 additional cases still under investigation, many from Michigan and Ohio. Since May 1, there have been 308 hospitalizations but no deaths attributed to the illness.
Health officials explain that cyclospora infections tend to rise seasonally between May and August. Historically, outbreaks have been linked not only to leafy greens but also to other produce such as cabbage, basil, cilantro, parsley, broccoli, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and raspberries.
On July 21, Mexico’s health minister, David Kershenobich, denied responsibility for the U.S. outbreak. That same day, U.S.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated in a news briefing that the outbreak was “under control.”
Contributing reporter: Mary Walrath-Holdridge
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- FDA investigating second, smaller cyclosporiasis outbreak (usatoday.com)