Cyclospora outbreak possibly linked to lettuce from Taco Bell supplier: Report
CDC investigates rising Cyclospora parasite cases
The CDC is investigating an outbreak of Cyclospora parasite cases around the United States. Dr. Leigh Vinocur is a medical expert and joined Bowen Kedrowicz on LiveNOW from FOX with the latest on the outbreak.
The source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak that has gripped the country over the last couple of weeks has been potentially linked to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell, according to a Washington Post report.
Investigators linked shredded iceberg lettuce that was supplied to Taco Bell restaurants to the parasitic illness that is known to cause explosive diarrhea.
Two sources spoke to the Washington Post on condition of anonymity to share details of the ongoing investigation.
FILE - Shredded lettuce in a bowl. (Photo by Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Cyclosporiasis outbreak
By the numbers:
According to CDC data, 34 states are reporting a combined 1,645 cyclosporiasis cases as of July 15, but local and state health data show at least 6,756 cases in 38 states.
The CDC says case numbers are likely much higher than what the agency is reporting.
The illness is not usually life threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Big picture view:
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora.
In the U.S., the parasite is typically spread through fresh produce in hot weather. It doesn’t spread from person-to-person.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from reporting by The Washington Post, previous reporting by The Associated Press and LiveNOW from FOX. This story was reported from San Jose.