CDC reports up to 7,000 suspected cyclosporiasis cases across 34 states

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday that up to 7,000 people in the United States may have contracted cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes prolonged watery diarrhea. The agency has confirmed 1,645 cases and is reviewing an additional 5,100 suspected infections, with reports coming from at least 34 states. Michigan has the highest number of confirmed cases, reporting 3,309, while New York City has documented 403 cases.

Hospitalizations total 141 and no deaths have been recorded since the outbreak began in May. Health officials suspect that at least 400 cases in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia are linked, though no single food product, restaurant, grocery chain or distributor has been identified as the source.

"We know that contamination usually occurs where the produce was grown or processed, and because distributors supply the same produce to multiple types of establishments, it’s unlikely for there to be one single place as the exposure for all of our cases," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive.

Interviews with more than 1,000 infected individuals in Michigan suggest lettuce or other salad greens may be involved, but officials have not pinpointed a specific supplier. Taco Bell Corp announced it had temporarily removed certain ingredients at select locations as a precaution, although public health authorities have not linked the chain to the outbreak. The Food and Drug Administration has opened an investigation.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which can contaminate produce through contact with contaminated water or improper handling. Symptoms typically appear up to two weeks after ingestion and include flu-like signs followed by severe, watery diarrhea. Treatment usually involves the antibiotic Bactrim, and patients are advised to stay hydrated.