Topline
Cases of a fast-moving parasitic illness linked to contaminated produce have numbered over 1,400 in Michigan and Ohio, putting public health officials on alert as investigators have yet to identify the source of the outbreak.
Key Facts
The outbreak of cyclosporiasis has resulted in 1,251 confirmed cases in Michigan as of Thursday, far higher than the roughly 50 infections recorded on average annually in the state.
The Ohio Department of Health logged 177 cases in the state as of July 2, with the vast majority of cases occurring in June.
Michigan and Ohio have reported combined hospitalizations of at least 72, with the former state recording 44 and no deaths being logged in either state.
Investigators from both states have not identified a common food source linked to the outbreak, though the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services notes past U.S. outbreaks have been linked to bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and scallions.
What Are Cyclosporiasis Symptoms?
Cyclosporiasis, the intestinal illness at the center of the outbreak, is caused by a parasite in contaminated food and water and characterized by symptoms including watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People who are infected usually become sick about one week from contracting the illness, though the time between infection and sickness can span from two days to two weeks or more. The illness is not usually life-threatening, the CDC notes.
Tangent
Signs posted at some Taco Bell locations in Michigan have said the fast food chain is “unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro, Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall,” according to multiple outlets. “Any items ordered that normally come with these items WILL NOT contain them,” the signs also said. The Food and Drug Administration and the Food and Safety Inspection Service have not issued recall statements regarding Taco Bell products or the ingredients listed in the signs within the last two months. Forbes has reached out to Taco Bell for comment.
Key Background
The CDC has found at least 17 states reported cyclosporiasis cases between early May and mid-June, according to CBS News, though federal surveillance data lags real-world counts by several weeks. Cyclospora, the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, was one of several pathogens being surveilled by the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network last year before the program reduced surveillance to just salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, according to NBC News. Experts who spoke to the news outlet said the reduction could make it more difficult for public health officials to understand if cases of foodborne illnesses are rising.
Further Reading
The CDC quietly scaled back a surveillance program for foodborne illnesses (Forbes)