Cyclospora Outbreak Surges in the U.S., Experts Weigh In on Safe Produce Choices Since May, the United States has experienced a sharp rise in cyclosporiasis cases, a parasitic infection linked to severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as explosive diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 22,000 confirmed or suspected cases as of August 7, spanning 47 states. This surge has prompted widespread concern, with health authorities investigating six separate outbreaks, including a large one affecting at least 15 states, such as Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Missouri. The CDC attributes the outbreak to contaminated food and water, with raw produce being a primary suspect. Shredded iceberg lettuce has been identified as a potential source of the 15-state outbreak, which has been linked to Taco Bell and Taylor Farms. Taylor Farms has issued a nationwide recall of its iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, while Taco Bell has removed affected lettuce from its supply chain. Michigan, the hardest-hit state, has reported over 12,400 cases and two deaths, though officials note the outbreak there is showing signs of slowing. Despite the focus on lettuce, experts caution that the outbreak may involve multiple sources. Donald Schaffner, a food microbiology professor at Rutgers University, emphasized that cyclospora is notoriously difficult to trace, with many cases and outbreaks never linked to a specific origin. While lettuce has dominated headlines, other foods may also contribute to the surge. Health officials continue to investigate other potential sources, including cilantro and parsley in North Carolina. Schaffner and other experts advise against abandoning fresh produce altogether. “There’s not enough evidence to suggest we should stop eating fresh produce,” Schaffner said.#michigan #cdc #taco_bell #taylor_farms #donald_schaffner
Michigan Reports First U.S. Deaths Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak Michigan health officials confirmed Monday that two individuals have died as a result of a cyclospora-related illness, marking the first recorded fatalities in the United States tied to the microscopic parasite. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services stated that both deceased individuals had preexisting health conditions, which may have been exacerbated by the intestinal infection and subsequent dehydration caused by the illness. The department declined to release further details about the cases, citing privacy and ongoing investigations. Cyclospora, a heat-resistant parasite, is known to cause cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness characterized by severe, watery diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, and sometimes explosive episodes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the parasite spreads through feces and is typically contracted by consuming contaminated food or water. Outbreaks are most common during late spring and summer, often linked to fruits and vegetables irrigated with feces-contaminated water. While cyclosporiasis is rarely fatal, the recent cases in Michigan highlight the potential severity of the illness in vulnerable populations. The CDC has noted that cyclosporiasis is less prevalent than other foodborne illnesses such as salmonella or E. coli. However, the number of reported cases has increased significantly over the past decade. A notable surge occurred in 2018 and 2019, with 2019 recording the highest number of U.S. cases at approximately 4,700. Since May 1, the CDC has documented over 4,100 confirmed cases and is investigating more than 7,400 suspected cases across 41 states.#cdc #centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention #taco_bell #michigan_department_of_health_and_human_services #cyclospora
CDC Investigates Growing Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Produce in the U.S. United States health officials are intensifying their investigation into a cyclospora outbreak that has seen a sharp rise in infections since May 1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,645 domestically acquired cases and is reviewing over 5,100 additional reports to determine their connection to the outbreak. Officials warn the number of infections is likely to climb through August, though the illness is rarely life-threatening. Prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms, often requiring antibiotic treatment, are the primary concern. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection characterized by symptoms lasting weeks if untreated. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, cyclospora does not spread directly from person to person. Instead, it requires several days to weeks in the environment to become infectious after being excreted in feces. While less common than bacterial infections like salmonella or E. coli, cyclospora outbreaks have grown more frequent in the U.S. over the past decade, attributed to improved testing and environmental factors such as warmer temperatures that aid the parasite’s survival. The outbreak’s source remains unidentified, though the FDA is tracing contaminated fresh produce through the supply chain. Lettuce, particularly linked to Michigan health officials, is under scrutiny, though no specific grower, supplier, or product has been confirmed. Investigators are interviewing infected individuals about their dietary habits, then tracing those foods back through distributors and farms.#michigan #fda #cdc #taco_bell #cdc_acting_parasitic_diseases_branch_chief
Cinco de Mayo 2026: Restaurants Offer Deals and Promotions for Celebrations Cinco de Mayo, celebrated annually on May 5, is a popular occasion in the United States for honoring Mexican-American heritage. This year, the date falls on a Tuesday, May 5, 2026, and restaurants across the country are offering special deals and promotions to mark the occasion. While the holiday is often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, which occurs on September 16, it actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862. During this historic event, the Mexican Army defeated the Second French Empire, led by Napoleon III, in a significant victory that was celebrated widely in both Mexico and the U.S., which was then in the midst of the Civil War. The 2026 celebrations include a variety of food and drink discounts, free items, and limited-time offers from major chains. Chipotle is offering free chips and queso Blanco or chips and guacamole with any entrée purchase on May 5 using the code CINCO26 via its app or website. Taco Bell is providing free Crunchwrap Supreme meals to Grubhub+ members who spend at least $20 on orders placed between May 4 and May 10. Non-members can join Grubhub+ for 99 cents a month for six months, with the discount available exclusively during May. Chuy’s is running multiple promotions from May 4 to May 5, including $6 House 'Ritas (regular size) or $9 Grande 'Ritas (with a keepsake cup), $1 off Mexican beers, and $5 Queso Bowl options featuring its signature Compuesto, Lil’ Chuy Gooey, or Boom-Boom Pow recipes. 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations are offering buy-one-get-one-free burritos on May 5, along with a limited-time Walking Taco served in a chip bag for $6. A $3 wine-based frozen margarita in Classic Lime, Strawberry, or Strawberry Lime Swirl flavors is also available, with larger sizes priced at $10.#7_eleven #cinco_de_mayo_2026 #chipotle #taco_bell #chuy_s
