Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by contaminated food or water carrying the Cyclospora parasite. The outbreak has affected over 1,600 people across the country this summer, and the exact source remains unknown.
The FDA recently announced that a previous positive test for Cyclospora in lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico was incorrect. They stated that the result was a false positive and does not accurately represent true amplification.
Despite this, the FDA advised against consuming iceberg lettuce grown by Taylor Farms in Mexico. These lettuce products were distributed in 27 states and sold at Walmart in 15 states and Taco Bell establishments in five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Taco Bell discontinued using this lettuce. Health officials urge consumers to discard any recalled lettuce by Taylor Fresh Foods.
The recommendation to avoid the lettuce is based on interviews with affected individuals, many of whom consumed it at Taco Bell. The FDA continues to test samples, including produce at the southern border, but has not found any positives for Cyclospora.
The illness caused by Cyclospora leads to diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea. Officials suggest cooking produce to 158 F and washing thoroughly with water to reduce infection risks. Identifying the source of Cyclospora promptly aids in managing the outbreak.
Donald Schaffner, a microbiologist at Rutgers University, notes that not all Cyclospora cases are related and some result from different sources. These outbreaks occur every summer, but the current one is particularly large. Schaffner also remarks that the parasite can be present in other sources like water consumed or used in swimming.
Since the 1990s, cyclosporiasis outbreaks have happened annually, yet none have matched the current outbreak’s size. The potential sources are varied, and often a common link is absent, highlighting the challenge in pinpointing the outbreak’s source effectively.