Many states have recently experienced a surge in cases related to a widespread cyclospora outbreak. This outbreak, involving thousands of Americans, has been ongoing since early May, causing hundreds to seek hospital care. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far.
As per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 6,707 laboratory-confirmed instances of domestically-acquired cyclosporiasis across 45 states as of July 28. These cases have resulted in 423 hospitalizations, representing an increase of over 2,500 since the CDC’s update on July 21. Additionally, 11,500 other suspected cases are under investigation. The agency clarifies that updates do not include probable cases, leading to varying case counts between federal and state data.
Investigation and Traceback Efforts
The CDC is examining several clusters of cyclospora cases nationwide. The largest cluster has been traced to shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms. Initially, the outbreak was associated with Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Subsequently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated that customers in Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania were also affected.
On July 17, Taco Bell stopped using shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. On the same day, Taylor Farms broadened a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico, which was distributed to 27 states. Investigations continue to determine other possibly involved brands and distribution channels.
State-Reported Case Updates
- Michigan: Michigan reported 10,773 cyclosporiasis cases, including 193 hospitalizations. Since July 27, the state has seen 1,373 new cases.
- Ohio: Ohio disclosed 4,013 cases as of July 25, marking an increase from 2,576 reported cases on July 23.
- North Carolina: North Carolina reported 718 cases and 24 hospitalizations by July 27. This count includes 157 new cases since July 21.
- Missouri: Missouri confirmed 593 cases as of July 26, which is more than twice the count from the previous week.
- Florida: In Florida, there were 254 cases reported by July 25, up from 158 cases on July 18.
- Iowa: Iowa noted 226 confirmed cases to date, with 47 patients having traveled internationally. Less than 10 new cases appeared in the week beginning July 26.
- Virginia: Virginia recorded 162 cases by July 23, with 66 being domestically acquired.
Understanding Cyclospora
Cyclospora is a minuscule parasite often found in food contaminated by human feces. This typically happens when produce is irrigated or washed with unclean water. Consumption of cyclospora leads to an intestinal illness, characterized by frequent, explosive bowel movements, according to the CDC.
Unreported Cases
The CDC states that official numbers represent only the cases confirmed in laboratories and tracked through public health systems. They highlight awareness of over 11,500 extra cases that need confirmation or additional assessment. Many individuals recuperate without medical attention, thus never undergoing tests, which means actual infection figures could be higher.
For more information, contact the Newsweek editorial team, Tobias Meyjes and Trevor Davies, on this issue.