Cyclosporiasis Diarrhea Parasite May Be Tied To Fast Food Empire With 12 RI Locations

Health officials on Monday announced that lettuce or salad greens may be the source of the cyclosporiasis parasitic illness that has sickened hundreds across the country, and federal officials are investigating a possible connection to Taco Bell, which has a dozen Rhode Island locations, The Washington Post reported.

“While the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out,” Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services said in a news release Monday. The state has been among the most hard-hit by the outbreak.

“No specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source.”

Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the intestines and causes watery diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps, according to the department, which added it is often contracted by ingesting contaminated food or beverages. Cases have been reported in 31 states, including Rhode Island this year.

“Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation," Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, said in the news release.

Two people familiar with the investigation who spoke to the Post on the condition of anonymity said officials are looking into whether Taco Bell restaurants had a role in the outbreak.

A number of Taco Bell locations have posted signs announcing they are "currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall," according to Detroit-area news radio outlet WWJ.

Taco Bell told the Post it would keep monitoring the situation and follow authorities' guidance.

“Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer," the company told the Post. "While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure.”

By The Numbers

As of Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had received reports of 843 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, with more than 1,500 additional cases requiring further analysis to confirm. There were cases in 31 states and 86 hospitalizations were associated with the parasite, the agency said.

In Rhode Island, as many as 10 people have fallen ill, the CDC said.

"The true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis was likely higher than the number reported," according to the CDC. "This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora."

Safety Measures

People experiencing frequent, watery diarrhea are encouraged to contact their health care provider and specifically request testing for Cyclospora, the Michigan news release said. Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics along with rest and drinking fluids to maintain hydration.

During the outbreak, people can take precautions by buying whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged lettuce or pre-mixed salad kits; discarding outer layers of lettuce heads; washing inner leaves; and cooking greens that can be cooked to at least 158 degrees, according to the news release.

Related: Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak: 7 Things To Know And What To Do In Rhode Island