Michigan Cyclosporiasis Cases Exceed 5,000 as Outbreak Linked to Taco Bell Lettuce Supplier

Michigan public health authorities reported on Friday that confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have reached 5,002, an increase of 690 from the previous day, as officials work to contain an unusually large outbreak of the parasitic intestinal illness. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also stated that the outbreak has resulted in 102 hospitalizations in the state as of July 16.

Multi-State Investigation Focuses on Supply Chain

U.S. health agencies are investigating a broader, multi-state outbreak of the illness. On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced they are examining cyclospora infections connected to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

According to CDC data cited by the FDA, a total of 1,644 people in five states have been infected after reporting exposure to Taco Bell. The national outbreak has led to 94 hospitalizations with no reported deaths. In response, Taco Bell, owned by Yum Brands (YUM), has committed to stop using lettuce from the supplier implicated in the investigation.

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Supplier Identified and Recall Initiated

The supplier has been identified as California-based Taylor Farms, which will recall products linked to the outbreak, according to a Friday report from Bloomberg News that cited a document. Cyclosporiasis is typically caused by consuming food, such as raw produce, or water contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and nausea.

The FDA confirmed it is working with Taylor Farms to determine if any potentially contaminated lettuce is still on the market. The agency has also begun collecting product samples from the supplier for testing and analysis as part of its ongoing investigation.