Health officials in North Carolina state that cyclospora cases in the region are likely not connected to the Taco Bell outbreak. Multiple sources are suspected for the surge in cases.
In a recent press conference, North Carolina officials confirmed that the rise in cases is due to several sources, not solely linked to Taco Bell lettuce from central Mexico. The outbreak associated with shredded lettuce continues, affecting multiple states.
Carl Williams from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services indicated that fresh fruits and vegetables often carry cyclospora. He suggested that there are many fresh fruits and vegetables that can serve as vehicles for cyclospora.
The department believes that there are multiple vehicles for cyclospora.
Williams clarified that the increase in cases is not a single source or single food product from one company,
unlike the situation in Michigan, where shredded lettuce from Taco Bell is involved in most, but not all, cases.
When discussing potential sources, Williams noted that lettuce, parsley, and cilantro frequently appear in cyclospora cases, although these items are not definitively proven to be the cause. He emphasized that when certain foods repeatedly show up in cases, officials consider them probable culprits.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite causing cyclosporiasis, marked by watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and appetite loss. The parasite, carried in human feces, spreads through contaminated food or water. Humans are its only known host.
Symptoms appear one to two weeks after ingesting contaminated food or water. Cyclospora is not commonly spread person to person because it needs time in the environment to become infectious. Fresh produce is often implicated as it can become contaminated through irrigation or environmental exposure.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services advises cutting away damaged produce areas, rinsing before peeling, gently rubbing under water, scrubbing firm produce with a brush, using a clean cloth or towel for drying, and removing outer lettuce or cabbage leaves.
CDC Expands US Outbreak to Nine States
The CDC reports the current cyclosporiasis outbreak as the largest in recent years. Initially, cases were seen in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia. However, the CDC now includes Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, with patients falling ill around the same time as those in earlier affected states.
Despite Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claim that the outbreak is under control following a federal investigation and lettuce recall, more investigation is needed to confirm if all illnesses are linked.
The FDA noted a false positive for the parasite in lettuce from Taylor Farms, not part of the recall. Taylor Farms reported an FDA error. Mexican Health Minister David Kershenobich stated no evidence suggests Mexican-sourced lettuce caused the outbreak, though precautions are taken.
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