CDC reports over 24,000 cyclosporiasis cases as weekly increase slows
The CDC says more than 24,000 cyclosporiasis infections have been reported across 47 states, with the weekly rise easing and a multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the total number of cyclosporiasis infections in the United States has risen above 24,000, covering 47 states. Laboratory-confirmed cases total 13,895, including 740 hospitalizations, while an additional 10,455 suspected cases remain unconfirmed.
Weekly reporting shows the pace of new infections has slowed, with about 2,000 cases added in the most recent week after a jump of more than 10,000 the week before. Ages of affected individuals range from 1 to 98 years. A six-week lag between symptom onset and CDC reporting suggests the count may continue to increase.
The outbreak is tied to recalled iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, which has been linked to illnesses in at least 15 states. Health officials have recorded 6,358 illnesses and 278 hospitalizations related to that source.
"The true number of sick people in this multistate outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses," the Food and Drug Administration noted.
Two deaths have been reported in Michigan among patients with significant underlying conditions. The investigation originally traced the illness to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in nine states, but the product was also distributed to other food services, retailers and restaurants.