CDC reports 4,173 Cyclospora cases, investigates 7,400 more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of 4,173 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in the United States and is investigating more than 7,400 additional cases.

The figures released Wednesday cover cyclosporiasis cases reported since May 1. Cases have been confirmed in 41 states, with at least 308 patients hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

At least 7,400 additional suspected cases have been reported to the CDC by state and local health departments. They still require investigation and laboratory confirmation, and many were reported in Michigan and Ohio.

Michigan health officials independently reported 7,171 cases as of Wednesday. At least 102 patients have been hospitalized.

Michigan health said lettuce or salad greens are a potential source, but other foods have not been ruled out, and officials have not identified a specific type of produce, grower or supplier.

Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico on July 17 after it was identified as a potential source. The company says the recall has been completed and the affected lettuce has been removed from stores and restaurants. No products sold under the Taylor Farms brand are included.

The CDC is asking consumers, restaurants and retailers to discard recalled lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico or distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods. The warning includes recalled lettuce served at Taco Bell and other restaurants.

Taylor Fresh Foods says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially informed the company that a lettuce sample had tested positive for Cyclospora but later apologized and said the result was a false positive.

Cyclosporiasis can cause watery diarrhea, fatigue and loss of appetite, with symptoms usually beginning about a week after infection. Routine stool tests do not always screen for Cyclospora, so patients may need to specifically request testing.