Health officials in the United States are grappling with one of the most severe cyclospora outbreaks in recent years.
According to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of July 13, there were 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of the illness, with an additional 5,100 cases still under investigation.
This brings the total number of confirmed or suspected cases to nearly 7,000 nationwide.
The illness has spread across 34 states, resulting in 141 hospitalizations but no reported deaths.
The CDC acknowledges that the actual numbers are likely higher.
"The true number of people affected in this multistate outbreak is probably greater than reported, and the outbreak may not be confined to states with known cases," noted the agency.
Unstoppable Outbreak Growth
The federal agency warns of a lag of about six weeks between the onset of symptoms and official reporting.
"We anticipate that the case count will continue to rise as data is received," they caution.
Patients' ages range from two to 95 years, with a median age of 44, and 56% are women. The median date for symptom onset was June 22.
Michigan is the hardest-hit state.
Its Department of Health and Human Services reported 2,640 cases as of Monday—a figure not included in the federal count because it includes probable cases still being analyzed—which marks a 69% increase in just three days and the highest number ever recorded in the state in a single year.
Travel-Related Cases and Investigations
Additionally, 440 cases were reported among individuals who became ill while traveling abroad, with 20 hospitalizations reported among them.
Taco Bell Under Scrutiny
One of the elements garnering significant attention is the investigation surrounding the fast-food chain Taco Bell.
As reported by the Washington Post, federal and state authorities are examining whether the chain contributed to the outbreaks, particularly in southeastern Michigan.
As a precaution, some branches voluntarily removed lettuce, cilantro with onions, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
The company clarified its stance:
"While authorities continue their thorough review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed certain ingredients in select restaurants as a precautionary measure. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and adhere to public health officials' guidance."
Investigations by the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remain ongoing.
Understanding Cyclospora and Its Transmission
Cyclospora is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which infects the small intestine after consuming fresh produce or water contaminated with human feces.
It is not spread from person to person.
Symptoms appear between two and 14 days after exposure and include frequent watery diarrhea—sometimes described as explosive—loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and fatigue. Without treatment, symptoms may persist for weeks.
Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz, chief medical officer at People Inc., mentioned that "health officials suspect the outbreak is linked to contaminated raw fresh produce, with investigators actively tracking possibilities such as bagged salad mixes, fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, raw berries, and green onions."
Preventive Measures to Stay Safe
The CDC recommends specific preventive actions and emphasizes that "it is important to thoroughly wash produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed."
Key measures include washing hands and fruits under running water before consumption, scrubbing firm-surfaced vegetables with a brush, and refrigerating cut foods within two hours.
The parasite is not killed by common disinfectants; only cooking destroys it. The preferred treatment is the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim or Septra), administered for seven to ten days.
The CDC announced it will publish updates more frequently than in previous seasons.
As of last week, the outbreak in Florida had already accumulated dozens of cases across 25 counties, with the highest numbers in Lee, Miami-Dade, and Broward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cyclospora Outbreak
What states are affected by the cyclospora outbreak?
The cyclospora outbreak has spread across 34 states in the United States, with Michigan being the most severely affected.
What are the symptoms of cyclospora infection?
Symptoms of cyclospora infection include frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and fatigue. They typically appear between two to 14 days after exposure.
How is cyclospora transmitted?
Cyclospora is transmitted by consuming fresh produce or water contaminated with human feces. It is not spread from person to person.