CYCLOSPORIASIS OUTBREAK ++++

CYCLOSPORIASIS OUTBREAK The Washington Post: CDC, FDA Link Taco Bell Lettuce Supplier To Multistate Cyclosporiasis Outbreak https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/07/16/lettuce-supplier-is-potential-source-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-investigators-say/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8_TCVTxnQylUTJULjbK84Puw3jPE3oRWeIkGxOvIEjge4svB8yQzP5kyfUJqxnkkY8U4V1gFURt0dizA0sc-Jbjrr_bQ&_hsmi=428865279&utm_content=428865279&utm_source=hs_email Federal health officials said Thursday that a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has sickened thousands of people has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states, confirming key findings first reported by The Washington Post. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said traceback investigators identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. In updates posted to the CDC webpage and FDA webpage late Thursday, officials urged consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in those states while the investigation continues. (Sun and Roubein, 7/16) ABC News: Hospitalizations In Michigan Linked To Cyclosporiasis Surpass 100: Health Officials https://abcnews.com/Health/cyclosporiasis-cases-michigan-surpass-2600-health-officials/story?id=134709100&utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9_HA-QdjMJJBEdirkywUN3KhUchfJmri9Yxw9oZNO652nXx9Jqnqz7_ByRmvjhs0Tjkbe9PpXfA6VURaKcXZm7c3Qfaw&_hsmi=428865279&utm_content=428865279&utm_source=hs_email Hospitalizations in Michigan linked to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, have surpassed 100, health officials said Thursday. So far, 102 people have been hospitalized, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Additionally, cases have topped 4,000, state data shows. Preliminary findings by Michigan health officials suggest lettuce or salad greens as a potential source of the illnesses. However, no specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source, and federal health officials have not publicly identified a source of the outbreak. (Benadjaoud and Kekatos, 7/16) The Hill: Can Vinegar Kill Cyclospora Parasite? https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5970504-can-vinegar-kill-cyclospora-how-to-wash-produce-amid-parasite-outbreak/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--0ooksACkMJ43Y5iZzLqD5oJmUUtE7b4V04_0NHcZo32K6CRkn1WBwosktMB1V-TQjBW-C3GyYdchMZyqeZIPnvvW_GA&_hsmi=428865279&utm_content=428865279&utm_source=hs_email A produce-linked parasite that can cause uncomfortable (and at times dangerous) bouts of “explosive” diarrhea is causing people to think twice before snacking on berries or mixing up a salad. Thousands of people so far have fallen ill with cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite. The source of this year’s outbreak is not yet confirmed, but in years past the parasite has been found on fresh fruits and vegetables, like lettuce, salad greens, berries, cilantro, green onions, basil and snap peas. (Martichoux, 7/16) MedPage Today: You've Heard Of Cyclospora. What Other Parasites Can You Catch From Food? https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/publichealth/122230?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8o5T-BDjlD8U-THCOe5KfRogKC52f5qMOQXIap3jR-4JQ1YSop-ncvZ1nLRH9xC9TKUUy7DBJZDP0B-cqt5qMF61D6Xg&_hsmi=428865279&utm_content=428865279&utm_source=hs_email As health officials track cyclosporiasis cases in multiple states, experts note that there are plenty of other parasites that people can contract from food. These fall into two main categories: protozoa -- like Cyclospora, the one causing "explosive diarrhea" right now -- and worms. (Henderson, 7/16)