More Than 100 Hospitalized As MI Cyclosporiasis Cases Swell

More than 100 Michiganders have been hospitalized in a cyclosporiasis outbreak that jumped another 500 cases in one day, according to health officials.

State health officials reported 4,312 cyclosporiasis with 102 hospitalizations on Thursday. The parasitic illness can cause relentless watery diarrhea.

The cases have been found in 55 Michigan counties with major hotspots in the middle and southeast portions of the state.

Michigan health officials said the state's case numbers alone likely make it the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in U.S. history.

Officials are still trying to determine the source of the outbreak, but have pointed toward lettuce or salad greens as a possible cause. They have not been able to link a single grower or produce supplier to the outbreak.

Cyclosporiasis can be contracted by consuming contaminated foods or water. Foods linked to past outbreaks have included a mix of greens and vegetables, such as parsley, broccoli and cilantro.

It cannot be spread person to person, as the parasite is passed through bowel movements and can take days or weeks to become infectious.

In addition to watery diarrhea, other symptoms include appetite loss, weight loss, cramping, bloating, flu-like symptoms, vomiting, and body aches, among others. Symptoms vary by person and can emerge up to 14 days after cyclosporiasis is contracted.

Connections To Taco Bell

Amid the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, fast food giant Taco Bell may be linked to the spread of the parasitic illness.

Earlier, the chain drew attention after issuing public notices announcing a nationwide recall of lettuce, cilantro, pico de gallo, and guacamole.

While the recall was part of precautionary measures, speculation grew after two people familiar with the CDC's cyclosporiasis investigation told The Washington Post that "some people" who had become sick had eaten at Taco Bell. However, other individuals who've become ill have not eaten at the food chain.

In a statement to the Post, Taco Bell said the company "voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure."

"The health and safety of our guests is our top priority," the company said. "Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer."

What The CDC Is Saying

The latest update issued by the CDC on Tuesday said a total of 34 states are linked to the cyclosporiasis outbreak that has amounted to 1,645 confirmed cases since May 1.

However, an additional 5,100 reports of people who are infected still need to be confirmed through state agencies.

From the confirmed cases, 141 incidents involved hospitalizations. To date, no one has died as a result of the illness.

Officials said the best way to prevent infection with a parasite is to avoid food or water that may have been contaminated.

Officials recommend properly preparing fruits and vegetables by thoroughly washing them before cutting, eating and cooking.