The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its investigation into a Cyclospora outbreak, now encompassing 6,358 confirmed cases across 15 states. The outbreak, initially reported in July and linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms de Mexico, has also led to 278 hospitalizations and two deaths in Michigan, according to the FDA.
Six additional states—Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina—were added to the investigation since the FDA's previous update on July 24. The agency noted that the number of confirmed cases is expected to continue rising due to the time it takes for health officials to confirm cases.
Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis, caused by a single-celled parasite, typically begin about a week after infection and can include stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss. Some infected individuals may remain asymptomatic, while others experience recurring symptoms that can last for up to a month. The FDA has advised consumers and retailers to discard any recalled lettuce, including Marketside-branded products sold in grocery stores across 27 states in early July. Health authorities also recommend sanitizing surfaces that came into contact with the lettuce and consulting a doctor if symptoms develop after consumption.