Patient count in Cyclospora outbreak grows by more than 1,000

Taylor Farms has recalled all of its iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico.

The outbreak of infections from the microscopic Cyclospora parasite continues to grow, with Michigan alone reporting an increase of more than 1,000 cases over the weekend. 

In relation to the outbreak, Taylor Farms has recalled all of its iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico. The recall includes shredded iceberg lettuce and salad mixes with iceberg lettuce in 27 states.

As of July 20 public health officials in Michigan were reporting a patient count of 6,148, up from 5,002 on July 19. Ohio is also posting high numbers with 2,029 patients reported in the Northwest region of the state as of July 20.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not updated its outbreak information for several days. The agency is still reporting only 1,644 people who had cyclosporiasis from May 13 to July 13. The CDC report says there are patients in 34 states and that there is more than one outbreak. Overall, the agency says it is investigating 5,100 more suspected cases.

Although the Taylor Farms recall includes iceberg lettuce products from several restaurant chains and Walmart and other retailers, Taco Bell is the only chain to have come forward and say that they have stopped using Taylor Farms lettuce.

Michigan officials looked at 190 food exposures from Taco Bell and found that 90 percent of the people said they ate iceberg lettuce from one of the restaurants before becoming sick.

The Food and Drug Administration reported finding a positive result for Cyclospora from a sample of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce. Then, on July 19, the agency walked back that report. A spokesperson for the agency said during a media briefing that the nature of the parasite makes testing difficult. The official said the difficulty of testing for Cyclospora on produce is partly because small amounts of it on fruits and vegetables can cause illness, but tests might not be sensitive enough to detect it. 

Anyone who has developed symptoms of Cyclospora infection, and has reason to believe they have been exposed to the parasite, should seek medical attention. Specific tests are required and antibiotics are used to fight the parasite.

Cyclospora infection can cause severe abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, body aches and fatigue. Symptoms can develop between two and 14 days after exposure. Though symptoms can be severe enough to send people to the hospital, it’s rare for people to die from Cyclospora infections. Without treatment, symptoms may last two weeks, however, it is not unusual for symptoms to come back and last for a month or more.

Coral Beach

Managing Editor Coral Beach is a print journalist with more than 35 years experience as a reporter and editor for daily newspapers, trade publications and freelance clients including the Kansas City Star and Independence Examiner.

All articles