WASHINGTON, D.C. — A multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce has expanded to Pennsylvania and three other states, raising the number of laboratory-confirmed illnesses to 1,947 and hospitalizations to at least 98, federal health officials reported.
No deaths have been reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pennsylvania, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma were added to the outbreak investigation since the CDC’s previous update on July 18. Illnesses have now been reported in nine states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Epidemiologic and product-tracing evidence continues to link the infections to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, the CDC reported. Taylor Farms initiated a recall July 17 covering all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
The recalled lettuce was distributed to consumers, restaurants and retailers in at least 27 states and sold in multiple package types and lots. The recall includes Marketside-brand products available at Walmart, according to the Taylor Fresh Foods recall notice.
Consumers should not eat the recalled lettuce and should either discard it or return it, the CDC advised. Items and surfaces that may have touched the products should be cleaned with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.
The outbreak count includes only laboratory-confirmed illnesses linked to the recalled product. The CDC is separately investigating other Cyclospora outbreaks and infections that are not associated with the Taylor Farms lettuce.
Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause watery diarrhea, appetite loss and weight loss. Symptoms typically begin about one week after infection and can persist for days, a month or longer without treatment, although some infected people do not develop symptoms.
People experiencing symptoms should contact a health care provider, remain hydrated and ask whether testing for Cyclospora is appropriate, the CDC advised.
The investigation remains open. The CDC’s food safety alert is available at https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/index.html.
Questions about cases in a particular state should be directed to that state’s health department.
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