US health officials have expanded their investigation into the cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico after identifying new cases in six additional states.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on Wednesday that the outbreak now spans 15 states, making it one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent US history.
Six More States Added to the Investigation
Health authorities have added the following states to the multistate investigation:
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- Missouri
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- Arkansas
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- Iowa
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- Nebraska
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- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
The outbreak was previously linked to nine states before officials expanded the investigation.
More Than 6,300 Cases Reported
According to the CDC and FDA, the outbreak has now caused 6,358 confirmed illnesses across 15 states.
Health officials have also recorded 278 hospitalizations connected to the outbreak.
The agencies noted that national surveillance data usually lags behind state reporting by several weeks, meaning the actual number of cases could be higher.
Iceberg Lettuce Identified as Source
The FDA and CDC first traced the outbreak to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states.
Investigators later identified Taylor Farms in central Mexico as the source of the contaminated lettuce.
Officials continue to investigate whether additional food sources have contributed to the outbreak.
What Is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora.
People usually become infected after consuming contaminated food or water.
Raw fruits and vegetables are among the most common sources.
Symptoms may include:
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- Diarrhea
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- Nausea
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- Stomach cramps
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- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Health experts advise people to seek medical attention if symptoms become severe or persist for several days.
Michigan Reports the Highest Number of Cases
Michigan remains the hardest-hit state.
State health officials reported 12,218 cases on Wednesday, including an increase of 710 cases since the previous update.
Michigan has also confirmed 193 hospitalizations and the first two deaths linked to the outbreak.
Officials said both individuals had serious underlying health conditions.
Other States Continue to Report New Cases
Arkansas has reported 205 confirmed infections as of Wednesday.
North Carolina recorded 149 new cases since July 28, along with nine additional hospitalizations.
State officials in North Carolina said only a small percentage of patients reported eating Taco Bell food or iceberg lettuce.
They believe the main sources of exposure have likely moved through the food supply chain.
Restaurant Industry Feels the Impact
The outbreak has affected restaurant businesses across the United States.
Consumers have reduced purchases of lettuce and are visiting some restaurant chains less frequently because of food safety concerns.
According to Placer.ai, Taco Bell experienced lower customer traffic following reports linking the outbreak to iceberg lettuce.
Foot traffic on August 1 was more than 11% below the average recorded earlier this year.
Salad and Go Files for Bankruptcy
Fast-casual restaurant chain Salad and Go filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday.
The company announced plans to close more than 70 remaining locations.
In court filings, the company cited the cyclospora outbreak as one of several factors behind its financial difficulties.
Rising fuel costs, lower consumer spending, and declining restaurant traffic also contributed to its decision.
At its peak, Salad and Go operated 146 locations across Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Oklahoma.
Mexico Also Launches an Investigation
Mexico’s Health Ministry has also opened an investigation in the tourist destination of Quintana Roo.
The move follows reports from British health authorities of cyclosporiasis cases among travelers who recently visited the region.
Officials are working to determine whether those infections are connected to the wider outbreak.
Investigation Continues
The FDA and CDC continue to investigate additional sources of contamination beyond iceberg lettuce.
Health officials are urging consumers and food businesses to follow proper food safety practices while the investigation remains ongoing.
