Americans are dealing with another widespread outbreak that won’t lead to a public shutdown, but definitely could lead to a long line for the bathroom. It has recently been reported that a parasitic infection called cyclosporiasis, which causes miserable bouts of watery, “explosive” diarrhea, is surging across the United States.
As of July 14, nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported by at least 34 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC stated that the outbreak started in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky and is connected as part of a large, multistate outbreak.
Federal health officials said during a press conference on Tuesday they still have not confirmed a source of the outbreak in Michigan.
“We are aware of the signal for lettuce that’s been noted by our Michigan partners. What I can say at this point is that we’re continuing our traceback investigation on multiple produce items, including the lettuce,” said Donald Prate, the Food and Drug Administration’s acting deputy commissioner for food.
While lettuce is seen as the main culprit of the outbreak, Taco Bell has also been in the spotlight as one of the first fast-food chains to remove certain ingredients as a countermeasure against the spreading virus.
“The health and safety of our guests is our top priority,” Taco Bell Corp said in a statement to ABC News. “Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer. While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities.“
The company also noted that public health officials have not confirmed a link between the outbreak and any specific supplier or restaurant.
Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite spreads through food and water contaminated with feces from an infected person. The CDC stated that person-to-person spread is highly unlikely and has pointed towards the fecal-oral route as the reason for the outbreak.
The agency says people can prevent infection by thoroughly washing produce, cutting away bruised or damaged parts of fruits and vegetables, and refrigerating pre-prepared or pre-cut produce.
