Federal health officials are investigating multiple produce items, including lettuce, as the source of a major cyclosporiasis outbreak sweeping the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 1,645 confirmed cases across 34 states since May, with 141 people hospitalized. More than 5,100 additional reported cases await confirmation.
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic intestinal infection causing diarrhea and nausea. It is typically contracted through contaminated food or water.
The scale of this year's outbreak is significantly larger than previous years, prompting concern among officials who have not yet pinpointed the source.
The FDA is conducting traceback investigations, collecting data on foods consumed by sick individuals in the weeks before illness. Officials are examining whether lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants may be linked, though the company and health officials have not confirmed a direct connection.
"This is an active and evolving investigation," said CDC expert Gwen Biggerstaff. She expects case reports to continue increasing through August due to a reporting lag.
Michigan has reported the most cases at 3,309. Evidence suggests cases in Michigan, West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio may share a common source.
Some experts criticize the federal response as too slow. "The federal response has been far short of what we need," said Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota.