Cyclosporiasis outbreak: Why is Taco Bell under investigation? What we do know is that officials are examining the cause of ‘explosive diarrhea’
Federal and state health officials are investigating the fast-food chain after Detroit-area Taco Bell stores posted signs saying they were “not available for sale at this time.” lettuceOnions, cilantro onions, pico de gallo and guacamole due to the nationwide recall, two sources told The Washington Post on condition of anonymity.
In a statement to Bloomberg, Taco Bell The company noted that it has “temporarily and voluntarily” removed certain unspecified ingredients from some restaurants while officials assess the cause of the outbreak, stressing that it will “continue to closely monitor the situation and follow guidance from public health authorities.”
As of now, no specific produce grower or supplier has been identified as the origin of this product. cyclosporiasis Amid the outbreak, Taco Bell has yet to provide more details about signs or why executives believe its products may be implicated.
While some patients said they dined at Taco Bell restaurants, others did not, meaning the fast-food chain may not be the only source of foodborne pathogen transmission, The Washington Post reported, citing sources.
Michigan has reported more cases than any other state, including many patients requiring hospitalization. Michigan health officials said Monday they suspect the outbreak is linked to leafy lettuce.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 34 states had reported more than 5,000 undiagnosed cases.
McDonald’s and the 2018 Cyclospora outbreak
Foodborne illness outbreaks can have a significant impact on restaurant stock markets. For example, McDonald’s came under scrutiny during a salad-related cyclospora outbreak in 2018, while Chipotle Mexican Grill dealt with multiple serious E. coli and norovirus outbreaks in multiple U.S. states, which negatively impacted the company’s sales and stock price.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal disease caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayeta. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people who consume food or water contaminated by this parasite can become affected by the parasite, causing severe bowel movements for weeks. Although cyclosporiasis is usually not fatal or life-threatening, some people may require hospitalization to control symptoms. Treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics.
What is the current status of cyclosporiasis?
Thousands of people across the country have been sickened by cyclosporiasis in recent weeks, prompting state and federal health agencies to investigate the origins of the outbreaks.
The outbreak in the United States began on May 1, mainly in Michigan, but a large number of cases also occurred in Ohio and New York.
As of July 13, health agencies reported that 141 people nationwide had been hospitalized due to the infection and there had been no deaths.
Michigan alone has recorded more than 2,600 cases, Ohio has reported more than 500 cases, and New York state (mainly New York City) has reported nearly 400 cases.
Federal authorities say the actual number of cyclosporiasis cases may be underestimated because many people do not seek medical assistance to recover. While officials have not been able to determine the exact source of the outbreak, it has been linked to contaminated fresh produce, with Michigan officials specifically highlighting lettuce and bagged salad greens.
