As the number of cases of an explosive diarrhea-causing parasite continues to rise, some fast-food chains are leaning into consumer avoidance of fresh fruits and vegetables.Nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis —the parasite leaving victims with “explosive diarrhea” — have been reported across the United States. Officials still have not identified the root cause of the outbreaks. Past outbreaks have been linked to contaminated produce, including cilantro and basil. On Monday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said lettuce may be responsible this time, though the cause is still being investigated.As consumers avoid leafy greens (and other fresh produce out of an abundance of caution), sandwich chain Arby’s is leaning into its meat-heavy menu with a new deal.The chain’s Cheesesteak Happy Hour gives Arby’s Rewards Members a free medium curly fries, four-piece mozzarella sticks, medium shake or side of mac and cheese with the purchase of Arby’s new cheesesteak. The deal runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.Arby's has announced a new happy hour deal for rewards members (Courtesy of Arby's)Arby’s isn’t the only fast food chain to alter its menu amid the outbreak.Taco Bell is being probed by state and federal investigators as a possible source of the outbreak, sources told The Washington Post.Signs posted at several Taco Bell locations in Michigan last week warned customers that the restaurants were “currently unable to sell lettuce, Cilantro, onion, pico de gallo, and guacamole due to a nationwide recall.”“The health and safety of our guests is our top priority,” a spokesperson for Taco Bell Corp told The Independent. “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.”Consumers are avoiding lettuce and fresh produce due to the parasite outbreak (Getty/iStock)Chipotle, meanwhile, is monitoring the situation. Laurie Schalow, Chipotle’s chief corporate affairs and food safety officer, told USA Today in a statement: “We are aware of the cyclospora investigation and at this time, we don’t believe the ingredients we source are associated. We are monitoring the situation closely and evaluating any new information as it becomes available. The health and safety of our guests and team members is our highest priority.”To reduce the risk of contracting the parasite, public health experts have recommended a battery of precautions: thoroughly washing hands with soap before handling produce, scrubbing fruits and vegetables, peeling outer layers when possible and cooking them where feasible. At least one expert also urged salad lovers to avoid leafy greens altogether for the time being.“If you’re somebody that seems to go to salad bars on a weekly basis, just give that a rest for a week or two while we figure out where this outbreak is coming from,” Dr. Richard Smith, an infectious disease specialist in San Diego told NBC News.Bananas, kiwis, avocados and potatoes are considered safer bets for those worried about the illness.