Pennsylvania is one of four more states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say is part of a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak that officials say came from iceberg lettuce products from Taylor Farms de Mexico, many of which were sold at Taco Bell.
Pennsylvania, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma have been added to the list, according to the CDC, as the case count jumped up to nearly 2,000 sickened by the parasitic infection in this outbreak.
The CDC said this number included those who may have traveled to other states impacted by the outbreak before their symptoms began.
Because some individuals recover without needing medical care or being tested for the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, the number of infected people in this outbreak is likely
higher.
Is cyclosporiasis in Philadelphia?
While the city's Department of Public Health previously reported to USA TODAY that cases of cyclosporiasis had not exceeded Philadelphia's baseline, a July 24 update showed that there have been 13 cases of cyclosporiasis in the city this calendar year, which officials said is on track to be higher than previous years.
The department noted that this case number included those that were confirmed to be contracted in locations outside of the city.
Cyclosporiasis symptoms
Cyclosporiasis can infect people through both food and water that has been contaminated with feces, though it is usually non-life-threatening.
It can take two days to two weeks to become sick after infection, the CDC said.
Symptoms may include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Increased gas
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Body aches
- Low-grade fevers or flu-like symptoms
Kaitlyn McCormick is a Philadelphia-based reporter writing all things trending, breaking and city-related for USA TODAY's Philadelphia Metro Connect Team.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cyclosporiasis, poop parasite, linked to PA; is it in Philly?
