GoKawiilLettuce and salad greens have become the prime suspects in an explosive outbreak of the diarrheal parasite Cyclospora, which is surging nationwide but erupting to extraordinary heights in Michigan.
In recent years, Michigan has typically reported around 50 cases of cyclosporiasis, which causes urgent bouts of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea. But, this year, as of July 14, the state has reported 3,309 cases of the food-borne pathogen. Of those 44 have been hospitalized.
Based on interviews with more than 1,000 people sickened in Michigan, the latest data is pointing to leafy greens as the source, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
“Although we do not have a definite product identified as the source of the outbreak, we want to let Michiganders know what we have learned so far so they can take steps to protect their families,” Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said in an announcement. “Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.”
Taco Bell suspected
Separately, The Washington Post reported that state and federal officials are looking into whether Taco Bell restaurants may have been a source of food contaminated with the single-cell parasite.
According to local media sources in the Detroit area, Taco Bell restaurants put up signs reading, “We are currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro, Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall.”
It’s unclear what recall the restaurant is referring to; no nationwide recalls have been announced by Michigan or federal authorities related to cyclosporiasis cases. The Post reported that Taco Bell did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the signs or the decision to pull certain produce.