CDC Reports Over 18,000 Cyclosporiasis Cases Across 45 States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported more than 18,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, across 45 states. Since May 1, at least 6,707 cases have been laboratory-confirmed, with 423 hospitalizations. The CDC is also aware of over 11,500 additional cases that are not yet confirmed. The outbreak has been linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce, particularly from Taco Bell restaurants in nine states. The lettuce was supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, which has since issued a recall. The CDC notes that the parasite typically spikes in the summer months, and other states may see cases linked to different sources.