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CDC expands largest known cyclospora outbreak to 15 states, Washington Post reports
🇸🇬 Singapore /Health & Science

CDC expands largest known cyclospora outbreak to 15 states, Washington Post reports

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • The US CDC has expanded its investigation into a cyclospora outbreak to 15 states, linking it to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell.
  • The outbreak, now among the largest foodborne illnesses in recent US history, has seen cases climb to record levels, with Michigan being the hardest-hit state.
  • While iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico is a suspected source, authorities are still investigating other potential origins.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has broadened its investigation into a widespread cyclospora outbreak, now encompassing 15 states and linked to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants. This expansion adds six more states to the ongoing investigation, which has been connected to lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico.

The US CDC is expanding the ongoing cyclospora outbreak to 15 states, adding six more states to the outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce.

— Washington PostReporting on the expanded scope of the cyclospora outbreak investigation.

Authorities are actively seeking additional potential sources for the outbreak, which has reached record levels for cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. this year. Patients interviewed by investigators reported consuming food at Taco Bell prior to falling ill. Missouri, with 1,095 reported cases, is among the newly added states, according to a state health department spokesperson.

Patients who were interviewed by state and local investigators said they consumed Taco Bell before getting sick.

— Washington PostDetailing a common link among affected individuals.

The infection, which causes diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, has seen Michigan emerge as the hardest-hit state. As of Tuesday, Michigan reported 11,508 cases, an increase of over 200 from the previous day. The state also confirmed the first two deaths associated with the outbreak, noting that both individuals had significant underlying health conditions.

US cyclosporiasis cases have climbed to record levels this year, with the current outbreak among the largest caused by foodborne illness in recent US history.

— Washington PostHighlighting the severity and scale of the outbreak.

While state reporting is ahead, the CDC has recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide as of July 28, alongside more than 11,500 suspected cases awaiting confirmation. The investigation continues as officials work to identify all contributing factors to this significant foodborne illness.

The state also reported the first two deaths associated with the outbreak, noting that both individuals had significant underlying health conditions.

— Washington PostReporting on fatalities linked to the outbreak.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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