Cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan surpass 2,600, health officials say

Officials haven't confirmed a link between the outbreak and any restaurant.

Taco Bell said on Tuesday it has voluntarily and temporarily removed some ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure amid an outbreak of cyclosporiasis.

The company also noted that public health officials have not confirmed a link between the outbreak and any specific supplier or restaurant.

"The health and safety of our guests is our top priority," Taco Bell Corp said in a statement to ABC News. "Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer. While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities. "

It comes as reported cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, have surpassed 3,000 in Michigan, the state's health department said on Tuesday.

Cases jumped more than 600 since Monday. There have been a total of 3,309 cases since June 22, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). At least 44 people have been hospitalized. Michigan typically sees about 50 cases per year.

Most cases have been reported in southeastern Michigan, including Wayne County, where Detroit is located, according to MDHHS.

On Monday, Michigan health officials said lettuce or salad greens could be the source of illnesses in the state.

Federal health officials said during a press conference on Tuesday they still have not confirmed a source of the outbreak in Michigan.

"We are aware of the signal for lettuce that's been noted by our Michigan partners. What I can say at this point is that we're continuing our traceback investigation on multiple produce items, including the lettuce," said Donald Prate, the Food and Drug Administration's acting deputy commissioner for food.

Officials also said they anticipate cases of cyclosporiasis to continue increasing in the U.S., possibly through the end of August. The season is typically considered to be from May 1 to Aug. 31.

Additionally, the CDC sent out an alert to doctors around the country on Tuesday warning them of an increase in cases of cyclosporiasis.

Michigan health officials previously told ABC News the outbreak could be linked to food contamination. So far no produce, grower or supplier have been identified.

Earlier this month, MDHHS sent out recommendations to restaurants and other commercial kitchens in southeast Michigan to reduce risks of exposure.

MDHHS data shows that most cases have been among adults, with 30 to 39 year olds making up the highest share.

The outbreak was first identified on June 29, when the Monroe County Health Department announced it was investigating a cluster of cases.

The parasite usually spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It does not typically spread person-to-person.

Foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in the past have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce and cilantro, according to the CDC .

At least 31 other states have reported cases of cyclosporiasis, according to an ABC News tally, analyzing CDC data and state health department data.

As of Friday, New York has reported the second-highest number of cases at 470 cases since May 1, followed by Ohio at 364, state health officials told ABC News. Meanwhile, Illinois and Florida are each reporting more than 100 cases as of Friday, according to their respective health departments.

The CDC said it has confirmed 843 domestic cases from May 1 to July 9. The agency wrote on its website that it is "aware that states are likely to report higher case counts of cyclosporiasis than reflected in CDC data and is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed."

The agency said it expects a six-week reporting lag between illness onset and case reporting to the CDC as it receives and reviews the data.

Cyclosporiasis is treated with the oral antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), commonly sold as Bactrim, Septra and Cotrim, and taken for 10 days, according to the CDC .

The agency says people can prevent infection by thoroughly washing produce, cutting away bruised or damaged parts of fruits and vegetables and refrigerating pre-prepared or pre-cut produce.

Additionally, the CDC recommends washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.

Related Topics

Sponsored Content by Taboola