The Continuing Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis in Michigan Has Increased To 9,680 Cases

As the rising intestinal parasite outbreak makes American shoppers wary of purchasing raw fruit, Michigan health officials reported 9,680 instances of cyclosporiasis on Tuesday, an increase of 427 cases from a day earlier.

For weeks, consumers have been concerned about whether goods are causing intestinal diseases that might result in explosive diarrhea.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s research has connected the outbreak to iceberg lettuce from privately held Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico that is supplied at Taco Bell restaurants. However, considering the scope of the incident, investigators are still searching for other possible sources.

As of July 23, Michigan’s health department recorded 160 hospital admissions but no fatalities.

Consuming food, usually raw fruits and vegetables, or drinking water tainted with excrement can result in cyclosporiasis, which is caused by the cyclospora parasite. The CDC is aware of over 7,400 new cases of cyclosporiasis in at least 41 states, although there are now 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases in the United States.

The number of illnesses linked to iceberg lettuce provided by Taylor Farms has not been established by investigators. According to a source familiar with the discussion on Monday, the corporation protested about the government’s inspection procedure earlier this month to White House and FDA officials.

On Tuesday, Democratic U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand questioned federal health authorities about whether the government’s capacity to identify and address the widespread outbreak had been compromised by recent Trump administration cuts to laboratory funding and food safety surveillance.