At least 1 WA resident sick from ‘explosive’ diarrhea parasite surge; Taco Bell under investigation

Cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal disease that causes “explosive” diarrhea, has been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to have sickened at least one person in Washington.

While a specific cause hasn’t been narrowed down, Taco Bell is being investigated as a potential source of the outbreak, and multiple restaurants in Michigan have posted notices that the chain was unable to sell lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo, and guacamole due to a nationwide recall, The Washington Post reported Tuesday, citing media reports.

“The health and safety of our guests is our top priority,” Taco Bell stated, according to The Washington Post. “Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant, or retailer. While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure.”

Past outbreaks of ‘explosive’ diarrhea parasite linked to produce

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, which can contaminate fresh produce. Past outbreaks have been linked to commercially packaged and imported items such as pre-packaged salad mixes, berries, and herbs, Public Health – Seattle and King County told MyNorthwest Friday.

While the CDC has now confirmed the outbreak reached Washington, Public Health previously told MyNorthwest there have been 15 cases among King County residents, but only one person was exposed locally. The other 14 cases were linked to travel outside the U.S.

Meanwhile, 22 provisional cyclosporiasis cases, meaning they have been reported but not yet finalized, have been reported statewide between Jan. 1 and June 30, according to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Seventeen of those cases occurred between May 1 and June 30, but 15 were acquired during international travel to countries where the parasite is common.

Cyclospora is common in subtropical parts of the world, but can sometimes be seen in foods in the U.S., according to Public Health.

No food recalls issued in WA over parasite

Although the outbreak has reached Washington, officials said the DOH has not issued any food recalls or safety alerts regarding produce distributed in Washington, as there has not been any atypical increase in cyclosporiasis.

The CDC has reported 34 states affected by the outbreak. There have been 141 hospitalizations and at least 1,645 cases across the U.S. However, the CDC noted the actual number of people sick with cyclosporiasis is likely higher because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for the disease.

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