Potential source of ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite, cyclosporiasis, ID’d: report

A popular lettuce supplier linked to Taco Bell has been identified as a potential source of contamination in the parasitic illness causing explosive diarrhea for thousands of people across the US, according to a new report.

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Shredded lettuce supplied to the fast food chain by Taylor Farms has been linked to this summer’s outbreak of cyclosporiasis, according to two individuals familiar with the investigation, The Washington Post reported.

“The signal we have gotten is that there is a very high percentage of people who got sick at Taco Bell, and when investigators asked what their menu items were in common, lettuce came up frequently,” said one of the individuals who spoke to the outlet on the condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.

When the Food and Drugs Administration asked the Mexican fast food giant where they get their lettuce from, Taylor Farms was identified as supplying to stores in Michigan and three other states, where the outbreak has been the largest, according to the source.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified a likely link among cases in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky earlier this week.

So far, more than 3,400 cases have been reported in The Great Lake State and over 100 people have been hospitalized as of Thursday.

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This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.