What is cyclosporiasis, the parasitic illness causing ‘explosive’ diarrhea?
Summary
Cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasite illness causing severe diarrhea, have increased sharply in the US, especially in Michigan and Ohio. The CDC traced the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in five states and advised people to avoid eating this lettuce.Key Facts
- Nearly 1,000 cyclosporiasis cases have been reported in Michigan, the largest outbreak in its history.
- Ohio has reported 177 cases as of early July.
- The CDC recorded 145 cases across 17 states by mid-June, but state reports suggest more cases exist.
- The parasite cyclospora spreads through contaminated produce and water, often linked to fecal contamination.
- Symptoms include watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and fatigue, lasting days to over a month.
- The outbreak source was traced to shredded iceberg lettuce from a single supplier used by Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
- Taco Bell has stopped using lettuce from the supplier identified by the FDA investigation.
- Cyclosporiasis is usually not life-threatening and can be treated with antibiotics; people with weak immune systems have higher risk.
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