How to eat safely amid outbreak of diarrhea-causing cyclosporiasis
A cyclosporiasis outbreak is causing widespread gastrointestinal illness across 34 U.S. states, with investigations focusing on leafy greens and potential links to food service chains. Health officials advise consumers to exercise caution with produce, though they emphasize that current case numbers in California remain within expected seasonal ranges.
Why it matters
The outbreak highlights ongoing public health risks associated with food-borne parasites and the complexities of tracing contamination in the national produce supply chain.
Thousands of people across 34 states are experiencing explosive and prolonged diarrhea due to a food and water-borne parasitic disease that has prompted experts to urge people to take extra precautions when preparing food. A specific type of produce, grower or supplier has not been identified as the source of each state's outbreak; officials say there could be multiple sources. At the epicenter of the cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan, where more than 3,700 residents have been infected, public health experts say a possible culprit under investigation is leafy greens. Some Taco Bell locations in Michigan are also being investigated after the chain voluntarily stopped selling lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo and guacamole, "due to a nationwide recall." Even though the clusters of outbreaks are concentrated in the Midwest and East Coast, epidemiological and infection prevention experts urge people in California and the rest of the U.S.
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