More than 24,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across 47 states, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency has confirmed at least 13,895 laboratory-confirmed infections, which have resulted in 740 hospitalizations. An additional 10,455 cases are known to the CDC but have not yet been laboratory confirmed.
The rate at which new infections are being reported appears to be slowing. In the past week, approximately 2,000 new cases were added to the total. This follows a period where over 22,000 cases were recorded in a single week, a significant increase from the week prior.
The CDC data, released Tuesday, indicates the affected individuals range in age from 1 to 98 years old. Due to a six-week reporting lag between illness onset and case reporting to the CDC, the total number of cases is expected to continue increasing.
This outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, which has since been recalled. Illnesses have been reported in at least 15 states, with 6,358 illnesses and 278 hospitalizations associated with this specific multistate outbreak. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has noted that the true number of sick individuals is likely higher than reported and the outbreak may extend beyond states with known illnesses.
Two deaths have been reported in Michigan. Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions. Health officials in Michigan confirmed these fatalities this week.
Initially, the illnesses were primarily associated with shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in nine states. Investigations revealed that the implicated lettuce was also distributed to other food service providers, retail stores, and restaurants. The lettuce was sourced from central Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms. Last month, Taylor Farms initiated a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce originating from central Mexico.