The U.S. CDC is adding six more states to the cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, widening the number of affected states to 15, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday, citing three individuals familiar with the investigation.
The outbreak, among the largest caused by foodborne illness in recent U.S. history, has produced more than 10,468 laboratory-confirmed cases and 12,255 suspected cases nationwide, the CDC website showed. The agency’s surveillance lags state reporting by several weeks.
A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation linked the outbreak that has expanded to nine states, to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants and sourced from privately held Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico. Authorities are still looking for other potential sources.
Missouri, which has reported 1,095 cases, is one of the states being added, the Post reported, citing a state health department spokesperson.
Patients interviewed by state and local investigators said they consumed Taco Bell before getting sick, the Post reported, citing a spokesperson.
The other states joining the outbreak tied to lettuce from Mexico are Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina, the report said, citing a person familiar with the investigation.
Cases of cyclosporiasis infection, which can cause diarrhea, nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, have climbed to record levels in the United States this year.
Michigan, the hardest-hit state, reported 11,508 cases on Tuesday, up by more than 200 from the previous day’s update.
The state also reported the first two deaths associated with the outbreak, noting that both individuals had significant underlying health conditions.
