As cyclospora illnesses surge to a record, Michigan officials eye lettuce as a possible cause - AP News
Michigan health officials are investigating a record-breaking surge in cyclospora infections, with early data pointing to lettuce as a potential source. Taco Bell has voluntarily removed certain ingredients as a precautionary measure while the investigation continues.
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Foodborne illness outbreaks have significant public health and economic impacts, necessitating rapid identification of supply chain contamination.
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NEW YORK (AP) — Infections from the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora are surging, with state-level data suggesting that 2026 is already the nation’s worst year for reported cases.
More than 30 states have reported infections this year, and current data from them shows the number of infections surpassing the record U.S. mark of about 4,700 set in 2019. The illness is not usually life threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics.
Health officials have not yet definitively identified what is causing the infections . On Tuesday, federal health officials said there may be different infection patterns in different places, although they believe cases in at least four states — Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia — are linked.
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