Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing "explosive diarrhea," have been reported across over 30 US states, with 1,645 lab-confirmed and 5,100 suspected cases under review by the CDC. The current outbreak is significantly larger than last year's, which saw fewer than 250 cases, and has led to 141 hospitalizations but no reported deaths. Pinpointing the source is challenging due to the delayed onset of symptoms, but investigators are looking into potential links to Taco Bell and contaminated leafy greens, with Michigan officials specifically suggesting lettuce. The CDC has faced scrutiny after removing cyclosporiasis from its FoodNet surveillance program last summer, though former officials state this likely didn't affect the immediate outbreak response. Public health experts recommend thorough washing of hands and produce, peeling outer layers, cooking vegetables, and temporarily avoiding leafy greens to reduce infection risk. In fullCDC investigating 7,000 cases of ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite with officials still trying to find the causeMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Health officials are tracking new cases of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne infection that leads to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including intense diarrhea.

The outbreak has resulted in at least 86 hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported

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Official case counts likely capture only a fraction of US cyclosporiasis infections, and the outbreak is likely to get worse before it gets better.

Nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis are either confirmed or under investigation in the US - the source is still unknown.

Why fresh produce is the perfect vehicle for a parasite that needs a week to mature, and what the US outbreak tells us about its spread.

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It took weeks for the CDC to issue a health advisory over the growing number of cyclosporiasis cases.

Cases have hit record levels, and scientists are racing to pinpoint where the Cyclospora parasite entered the food supply.

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