Cyclospora outbreak: Taco Bell under probe in multiple US states as Michigan links cases to salad greens

Cyclospora Outbreak Expands: Michigan Identifies Salad Greens as Potential Source Amid Multi-State Investigation

Cyclospora outbreak – A parasitic infection linked to severe diarrhoea in Michigan and over 31 states may be spreading via contaminated lettuce or salad greens, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. Bloomberg reported that while the parasite’s origin remains under investigation, other transmission routes are still a possibility.

Health authorities are examining if Taco Bell is connected to Cyclospora cases beyond Michigan. Reports indicated that multiple Detroit-area locations had posted notices stating they couldn’t sell lettuce, cilantro, pico de gallo, or guacamole due to a national recall.

As of July 13, Michigan reported 2,640 confirmed cases, a 69% spike from the previous week. This totals the most cases ever recorded in a single year, surpassing prior annual reports. The CDC’s recent data shows at least 843 confirmed cases across 31 states, with 86 hospitalisations, as per The New York Times.

Understanding the Illness

Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite, infects the digestive tract and can lead to symptoms like nausea, stomach cramps, and prolonged diarrhoea lasting weeks. While Michigan leads in reported cases, the CDC noted that states such as New York, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky are also seeing an uptick in infections.

Prevention Tips

To lower the risk of Cyclospora infection, public health experts suggest purchasing whole lettuce heads rather than pre-washed or pre-packaged ones. They recommend discarding outer leaves and rinsing the inner leaves under running water before consumption.

When possible, cooking leafy greens to 70°C (158°F) is considered the most reliable method to eliminate the parasite, since washing alone might not fully remove it. Officials also recommend thoroughly washing all fresh produce under running water. Still, experts caution that simple rinsing may not eradicate Cyclospora, as it can adhere to surfaces.

Historical Outbreaks

Common culprits in past Cyclospora outbreaks include fresh produce like basil, coriander, lettuce, and raspberries. Additionally, travel to other countries has been linked to some cases.

“Although we do not have a definite product identified as the source of the outbreak, we want to let Michiganders know what we have learned so far so they can take preventive measures,” Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said in a statement.

Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.

Health experts say cooking food, where possible, is the most effective way to kill the parasite. Anyone with persistent watery diarrhoea, signs of dehydration, or symptoms lasting several days should seek medical attention. Older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems are especially advised to consult a doctor if they develop symptoms.

According to Fox Weather’s food safety guidance, consumers should avoid pre-cut salad kits and chopped vegetables. Instead, they should choose whole heads of lettuce or fresh herbs. Experts also advise removing and discarding the outer two or three leaves of leafy greens before preparing or eating them. Fresh berries, coriander (cilantro), and basil should be washed thoroughly under clean running tap water, as simply soaking them in a bowl may not remove the Cyclospora parasite.