Sixfold Surge Over Last Year Sparks Emergency... US Scrambles as Patients Emerge Nationwide

1,645 Confirmed Cases of Parasitic Cyclosporiasis
Patients Reported Across 34 States
U.S. Health Authorities Begin Source Investigation

In the United States, cases of cyclosporiasis—a parasitic disease contracted through contaminated food or water—are rapidly increasing. As a precautionary measure, the American fast food chain Taco Bell has temporarily removed some fresh ingredients such as lettuce, cilantro, and onions from the menus in certain stores.

On July 14 (local time), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that since May 1, the number of confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. has reached 1,645. This is approximately 6.6 times higher than the 249 cases reported during the same period last year.

Cyclospora. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

9% of Patients Hospitalized… No Reported Fatalities

Of the 1,645 patients for whom information is available, 141 (9%) have been hospitalized, and no fatalities have been reported so far. Confirmed cases have been reported across 34 states.

The CDC has also identified an additional 5,100 cases suspected to be cyclosporiasis. However, the agency explained that further analysis is needed to determine whether these cases were contracted within the United States.

The CDC believes that the actual number of infections may be higher than the official tally, since cyclosporiasis symptoms are similar to those of other gastrointestinal diseases, making diagnosis easy to miss or go unreported to health authorities.

CDC and FDA Tracking the Source of the Outbreak

The CDC is investigating simultaneous outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in several states, in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health departments. Health authorities are conducting epidemiological investigations to identify the common causes and sources of contamination behind the outbreak.

According to The Washington Post, patients in at least four states—Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky—are believed to be epidemiologically linked to a common source of infection. The CDC and FDA did not comment on whether a specific company is included in the ongoing investigation, but it has been confirmed that some patients used Taco Bell.

Taco Bell has temporarily stopped selling lettuce, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo, guacamole, and similar items at some of its outlets in the Detroit, Michigan area. However, the company stated, "Health authorities have not confirmed a direct link to Taco Bell or specific ingredients," and explained that the measure is strictly precautionary.

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Infection Through Consumption of Vegetables or Water… Causes Watery Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, and More

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal disease caused by infection with the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It is mainly spread by consuming contaminated fruits, vegetables, or water, and symptoms can include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

The CDC has advised healthcare providers to consider the possibility of cyclosporiasis when treating patients with prolonged diarrhea and to report confirmed infections promptly to health authorities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.