Health officials in North Carolina have linked parsley and cilantro to the state's ongoing cyclospora outbreak, identifying the popular herbs as additional sources of the illness. These findings are separate from outbreaks linked to lettuce and cases involving Taco Bell in other states.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) stated that while the exact origin of the contamination for the local herbs remains unclear, the outbreak in North Carolina does not appear to be connected to those associated with Taco Bell in other regions. Carl Williams, a public health official with NCDHHS, confirmed this distinction during a press conference, according to Consumer Reports.
"We have not noticed that association here," Williams said. "We can say that because we do a thorough investigation of all of these reported cases in collaboration with our local health departments."
Nationwide, cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 11,500 across 41 states, with more than 4,000 confirmed infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over 300 individuals have been hospitalized due to the illness in various states.
North Carolina has reported 561 cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, with a significant increase of 256 new cases occurring in the 10 days prior to July 14. Sixteen patients in the state have required hospitalization.
Earlier in the outbreak, Taylor Farms issued a recall for its iceberg lettuce, which had been distributed to 27 states and sold in grocery stores and at Taco Bell restaurants. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers to avoid consuming the recalled lettuce.
Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, can lead to severe diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and fatigue, according to food safety regulators.