Washington: A major Cyclospora outbreak has spread across the United States, with 1,645 laboratory-confirmed, domestically acquired cases reported across 34 states and 145 hospitalisations. Health officials are also investigating more than 5,100 additional suspected infections, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to The Washington Post, the outbreak is among the largest recorded in recent years. For comparison, the CDC had reported just 249 cases nationwide by the same point last year.
The outbreak is believed to have originated in Michigan, which continues to report the highest number of infections. Federal health officials believe cases in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia are linked, though they caution that multiple transmission patterns may be involved. Michigan, which typically records fewer than 50 cases annually, had reported more than 3,300 confirmed and suspected infections as of Tuesday.
According to The Washington Post, authorities are investigating whether Taco Bell restaurants may be linked to the outbreak, particularly in Michigan. However, no direct connection between Taco Bell and the outbreak has been established.
According to reports, several Taco Bell outlets in the Detroit area temporarily stopped serving fresh ingredients, including lettuce, cilantro, onions and guacamole. Notices displayed at some restaurants reportedly informed customers that the items were unavailable due to a “national recall,” The Washington Post reported.
Investigators suspect lettuce or other leafy greens may be the source of the outbreak. However, officials have stressed that no specific food item, grower, supplier or restaurant has been identified as the source, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine and causes cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness that can trigger frequent bouts of severe diarrhoea. Symptoms typically appear about a week after infection and may include watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, low-grade fever, weight loss and dehydration.
Treatment typically involves prescription antibiotics. Health authorities also recommend washing fresh produce thoroughly, practising good hand hygiene and drinking safe water to reduce the risk of infection.
