Largest cyclospora outbreak now expands to include 15 states with over 10,000 confirmed cases

Largest cyclospora outbreak now expands to include 15 states with over 10,000 confirmed cases The diarrhea-inducing parasite, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from mega produce supplier Taylor Farms, has been making thousands of people sick this summer - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments The unprecedented cyclospora outbreak has now expanded to include 15 states as federal health officials report more than 10,000 confirmed cases. This summer — a season known for its fresh salads and ripe fruit — had been marred by an explosive diarrhea-inducing parasite found in food or water contaminated with feces. As officials struggle to determine the exact cause of the outbreak, which started in May, the list of affected states has grown. Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina have joined a list of nine other states where cyclospora infections have been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce that mega produce supplier Taylor Farms sourced from central Mexico, according to three people familiar with the investigation who spoke to The Washington Post. Patients in Missouri, which is reporting just over 1,000 cases, have told investigators that they ate Taco Bell before getting sick, Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the state’s health department, told the Post. The nine other states that reported cyclospora illnesses with exposure to Taco Bell — which had been supplied with lettuce from Taylor Farms — are Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. The Independent has reached out to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is investigating the outbreak, for comment. As of Tuesday, there have been 10,468 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, according to the CDC. Officials are also aware of more than 12,255 additional cases that have yet to be confirmed. There have also been more than 500 hospitalizations and two deaths, according to the CDC. Officials said the two people who died in Michigan, which has been hit the hardest by the outbreak, had underlying health conditions. On July 17, Taylor Farms recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico “because it has the potential to be contaminated with Cyclospora,” a company notice read. Officials reported the next day that a sample of lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms tested positive for cyclosporiasis, but later said it was a “false positive.” However, the FDA notes that the false positive result “does not change the basis for FDA’s ongoing outbreak investigation or the overwhelming epidemiological data supporting the current voluntary recall by Taylor Farms.” Taco Bell has seen sales slip about 2 percent in its current fiscal quarter, which the parent company Yum Brands tied to the cyclospora outbreak. “The brand has seen a meaningful near-term sales impact,” CEO Chris Turner said on a recent earnings call, per CNBC. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] Member Price! Must Buy 2 or more 399 ea Mix &Match 35.8c aylor Thru Wed.Aug.26 PEROUNCE PARTICIPATING ITEM FARMS NEW 20g PROTEIN PER CONTAINER Southwest POWER KIT RED CABBAGECARROTPEPITAS RanctDressing TFR$187 Taylor FARMS 21g PROTEIN GOOD Green Goddess POWERKIT 10.9OZ 549 30010800 84650399 2503241 50.4 Member Price! Must Buy 2 or more 149 ea 7g 10.9OZ 549 2503242 84650397 50.4c Member Price! Must Buy 2 or more 149 ea Mix&Match 71017 NEW FARMS 21g PROTEIN PER CONTAINER Caesar POWER KIT organic 0.950 300108011 549 25.03239 5041 50.2c Member Price! Must Buy 2 449 or more ea