The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is offering updates on Cyclospora cayetanensis, which has become the source of widespread speculation, memes and internet intrigue in recent weeks.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. It is most prevalent in the summer months and is linked to the consumption of contaminated fresh produce such as basil, cilantro, leafy greens like lettuce, snow peas, berries, and melons. The most recent outbreaks have been linked primarily to iceberg lettuce.
According to ADPH, as of July 20, there have been 28 reported cases of cyclosporiasis in Alabama. Of these, only two cases have required hospitalization, and there have been no deaths.
In detailing the state cases, ADPH addressed a popular online speculation that claims multiple outbreaks have been traced back to the popular fast food restaurant, Taco Bell.
“Four cases (14.3%) are related to international travel, and eight cases (28.6%) are associated with two separate foodborne outbreaks at Mexican-style restaurants (not Taco Bell),” ADPH said in a statement. “Testing food for bacteria and parasites is very complicated. At this time, with the current national outbreak, federal partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have identified a link to certain lots of shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Currently, none of the Alabama cases have been directly linked to these Taco Bell locations, but the investigation is ongoing.”
ADPH also stated that a previous test of produce from Taylor Farms de Mexico was concluded to be a false positive. However, it and Taylor Fresh Foods are voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market, which includes products supplied to KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Sysco, Cross Valley Farms and Peak Fresh Produce.
ADPH says the primary symptoms are watery diarrhea, fatigue and loss of appetite. In addition to washing produce, ADPH recommends avoiding recalled lettuce from grocery stores or restaurants, as well as cooking produce to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit, since washing alone may not eliminate the parasite.
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