Cyclospora Outbreak in 45 States Linked to Shredded Lettuce
A significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, has been reported across 45 states in the U.S., with at least two deaths in Michigan. The outbreak, which has affected approximately 18,000 people, is linked to contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating multiple outbreaks and potential sources. The infection, characterized by severe diarrhea, is typically contracted through contaminated food or water. Taco Bell has removed the implicated lettuce from its supply chain, and Taylor Farms has issued a recall.