US Cyclospora Cases Hit 7,000 in 34 States as Taco Bell Pulls Linked Lettuce
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 14
US Cyclospora Cases Hit 7,000 in 34 States as Taco Bell Pulls Linked Lettuce
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 14
Summary
About 7,000 cyclospora cases have been confirmed or are under investigation in 34 states since May 1, with Taco Bell removing and replacing potentially affected lettuce in certain states.
Shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and sold at some Taco Bell restaurants has been linked to the Midwest outbreak, though investigators have not ruled out other foods.
Michigan alone has reported more than 4,000 cases and 102 hospitalizations, while Ohio has logged more than 1,200 cases and 88 hospitalizations; about 1 in 11 reported cases nationwide has led to hospitalization.
Health officials say the parasite is foodborne rather than spread person to person, can cause weeks of diarrhea if untreated, and poses higher risks to children, older adults and immunocompromised people.
CDC and state officials are urging consumers to avoid bagged lettuce and salad products for now, wash produce under running water without soap or bleach, and favor peeling or cooking foods to at least 158°F.