Health officials have issued a food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis infections. Over 1,644 people across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia have been infected with the parasite. Ninety-four individuals have required hospitalization, though no deaths have been reported. The illness has been traced to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in these states.
The Food and Drug Administration’s traceback investigation identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell locations where sick individuals ate. The contaminated lettuce was not linked to produce sold in grocery stores or served in other restaurants. This alert only includes lab confirmed cases directly associated with this product, not all cyclosporiasis illnesses being reported.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. They typically begin about one week after infection and may last from several days to a month or longer without treatment. Individuals experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for care and testing.
Public health departments are working to trace the source of contamination, which likely occurred upstream in the food supply chain. The outbreak has been exacerbated by funding cuts to state and local public health agencies, reducing capacity to investigate and respond to such threats. Many areas have seen staff reductions and delays in federal support, hampering outbreak tracking and response efforts.
CDC recommends avoiding shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in the affected states. For more information on cases in a particular state, individuals should contact their local health department. Media inquiries can be submitted using the CDC’s request form.
IMAGE: Cyclospora cayetanensis This file is a work of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, taken or made as part of an employee's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the file is in the public domain.
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