The US Food and Drug Administration has announced that recalled iceberg lettuce from a Mexican Taylor Farms facility may have been distributed in nine more areas than previously reported. This development could potentially expand America’s largest outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness that causes explosive diarrhea.
The FDA had previously reported that the products were distributed at restaurants and retail stores in nearly three dozen states from late June to July. The newly identified areas include California, Delaware, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
According to the FDA, the total case count associated with this multi-state outbreak is now 10,930 illnesses reported from 17 states. More than 27,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across over 40 states, with two people infected with the parasite having died in Michigan, the hardest-hit state.
Michigan has seen 14,277 cases and 335 hospitalizations from illnesses, with some people sickened after eating at the fast-food chain Taco Bell, which has pulled the lettuce from its restaurants. Affected products should no longer be available for sale in stores or restaurants, as the best-by dates for recalled products have passed.
The FDA is also monitoring smaller outbreaks with unknown origins, which are continuing to see cyclosporiasis cases rise. The largest of these saw infections jump from 172 to 201 over the last few days. The Trump administration is working closely with state and local officials to identify exposure sources and provide Americans with evidence-based information.
Cyclosporiasis is typically not life-threatening but can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including vomiting, explosive diarrhea, nausea, and severe dehydration. The best way to avoid the parasite is to cook food to a temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit, while washing produce well can limit the chance of exposure.
