WASHINGTON — Federal health officials have expanded a multistate foodborne illness investigation after confirming cyclospora cases in four additional states.
The outbreak, which has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants, now includes Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. Those states join Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, bringing the total to nine affected states.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,947 confirmed illnesses have been connected to the outbreak. At least 98 people have been hospitalized, although no deaths have been reported. Officials believe the true number of illnesses is likely higher because many cases are never diagnosed or reported.
The CDC, Food and Drug Administration and state health agencies continue tracing the source of the contaminated lettuce while interviewing patients about foods they consumed before becoming sick.
Federal investigators continue to focus on iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms. The company recently recalled lettuce grown in central Mexico after it became the focus of the investigation.
Health officials also announced they are investigating a separate cyclospora outbreak involving 72 illnesses. The food responsible for those cases has not yet been identified.
Since May 1, the CDC has received reports of more than 4,100 laboratory-confirmed cyclospora infections nationwide and is reviewing more than 7,400 additional suspected cases across 41 states. Officials say additional restaurants, retailers, distributors or brands could be identified as the investigation continues.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh produce exposed to water or soil contaminated with human waste. Infection commonly causes prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and other intestinal symptoms. Symptoms may last for weeks if left untreated.
Meanwhile, Mexican health officials reported that testing conducted at the Taylor Farms processing facility in Guanajuato did not detect cyclospora in samples collected from iceberg lettuce or water used at the plant. Inspectors collected multiple lettuce and water samples during a July inspection, and authorities said all tested negative for the parasite.
Federal health officials say the investigation remains active as they continue working to identify the full source and distribution of the contaminated product.