US health officials have reportedly expanded the investigation into the country’s largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak. The foodborne illness has now been linked to 15 states as authorities continue tracing the source and monitoring new cases.
Six More States Reportedly Added to the Investigation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reportedly widened its investigation into the ongoing cyclo sporiasis outbreak, according to reports from The Washington Post.
The expansion reportedly adds Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina to the multi-state investigation, bringing the total number of affected states to 15. An Arkansas Department of Health spokesperson confirmed that the state had been included in the CDC’s investigation.
The CDC has not officially confirmed the latest expansion, and several state health departments have not yet publicly commented on the reports.
Thousands of Cases Reported Across the United States
As of 28 July, the CDC had recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, with approximately 11,500 additional suspected cases awaiting confirmation. Since May, cases have been identified in 45 states, although the largest concentration of suspected infections has been reported in Michigan and Ohio.
Michigan remains the state most heavily affected by the outbreak. Health officials there recently confirmed the first two deaths in the United States linked to the current outbreak. Authorities continue to monitor the spread of the illness while investigating additional reports across the country.
Contaminated Lettuce Identified as One Source
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified iceberg lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico as the source of one of several ongoing outbreak investigations.
Following the discovery, Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled affected lettuce distributed to restaurants in 27 states and grocery stores in 15 states. The FDA continues to investigate several additional outbreaks to determine whether other food products may also be involved.
Symptoms Can Last for Weeks Without Treatment
According to the CDC, symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically begin around one week after infection and may include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, fatigue and low-grade fever.
Without appropriate treatment, symptoms can last from several days to more than a month. The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms to stay well hydrated and seek medical advice if necessary.
Health officials also continue to urge consumers not to eat any recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce and to follow food safety guidance while the investigation remains ongoing.
