Health officials have determined that Mexican iceberg lettuce, served at Taco Bell restaurants, is responsible for an outbreak of Cyclospora parasites in five US states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued alerts to consumers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, urging them not to consume shredded iceberg lettuce from these establishments.

“The CDC is also investigating other outbreaks and cases of cyclosporiasis nationwide that are not related to this outbreak,” the CDC warned in a statement.

So far, a record number of cyclosporiasis cases have been reported in more than 30 states. However, experts have pointed out that not all recent illnesses in the United States could have a single cause, reports the Associated Press (AP).

"We believe that public health is a shared responsibility between restaurants, their suppliers and authorities, and we are proud to have acted quickly and proactively to protect our customers. Taco Bell has taken preventative measures and we encourage all relevant restaurants, retailers and food service operators to do the same," the CDC added in the statement.

Cyclospora is a parasite that causes symptoms of watery diarrhea and is spread through feces. Although the disease is not usually fatal, its increase in cases is cause for alarm, and is attributed to factors such as climate change and improvements in outbreak detection.

Investigation and supplier involved

An investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has pointed to Taylor Farms, based in Salinas, California, as the lettuce supplier involved. However, the agency has not officially identified him; It was learned from a federal official who was briefed on the investigation but was not authorized to speak about it, AP noted.

Of note, this supplier had already been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks in the past.

The Taylor Farms shredded lettuce served by Taco Bell establishments is so far the one designated by US health authorities. Taco Bell has made the decision to temporarily remove potentially contaminated ingredients from its restaurants in response to the current situation.

In a statement, federal health officials stressed that other “brands, restaurants, retailers or distribution channels” could be identified as the investigation progresses.

Symptoms of Cyclospora infection

Cyclospora infection usually causes prolonged watery diarrhea, often with abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and loss of appetite; There may also be fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, muscle pain, and low-grade fever.

In some people, symptoms go away and then return, and others may have no symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made primarily with a stool examination to look for the parasite, and sometimes several samples collected on different days are needed because parasite shedding can be intermittent.

The laboratory may use special techniques such as sample concentration, modified acid-fast staining, UV fluorescence observation, or PCR-type molecular testing; Additionally, not all gastrointestinal tests include Cyclospora, so sometimes it must be specifically ordered.

When to suspect it

It should be especially considered if there is diarrhea that lasts more than a few days or weeks, or if there has been recent travel to tropical or subtropical areas where the parasite is endemic. If diarrhea persists, dehydration appears, or there is marked weight loss, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

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