Federal and state health officials are investigating whether Taco Bell restaurants may be connected to one of the largest U.S. outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in recent years.
The parasitic illness, which is commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce, has sickened thousands of people and hospitalized more than 80. While Taco Bell has not been identified as the source, some locations temporarily stopped serving lettuce, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo, and guacamole as a precaution amid the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not yet identified a specific grower or supplier responsible for the outbreak.
CDC data shows cases have now been reported in more than 30 states, including Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, among others. The CDC’s latest update says cases have been reported in 31 states, though not every affected state is identified on the public map. Michigan has been hit the hardest with more than 2,600 cases, while Ohio and New York have also reported significant outbreaks.
A visual of every state with reported cases of the outbreak
Michigan health officials say interviews with more than 1,000 patients have identified lettuce or salad greens as the leading suspected source of the outbreak, although investigators stress that other foods have not been ruled out. Public health officials also noted that some infected individuals had recently eaten at Taco Bell, while many others had not, suggesting the outbreak extends beyond the restaurant chain. Taco Bell has not publicly commented on the investigation.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora parasite and typically spreads through food or water contaminated with fecal matter, most commonly fresh produce. Symptoms can include prolonged watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss. Because symptoms often don’t appear for about a week after exposure, investigators say tracing the contaminated food source is particularly challenging.
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