MICHIGAN: Health authorities in Michigan have reported a sharp rise in cyclosporiasis cases, with the state’s outbreak surpassing 9,253 infections, prompting an expanded federal investigation into contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce linked to Taco Bell restaurants.

According to the Michigan Department of Health, the latest update recorded 1,077 new cases since Friday, bringing the total number of infections to 9,253. The outbreak has also resulted in 160 hospitalizations, although officials confirmed that no deaths have been reported.

CDC and FDA Expand Investigation

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are continuing to investigate the outbreak, which has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico.

Federal health officials recently expanded the investigation after identifying additional cases in four more states.

The multistate outbreak now includes infections reported in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Nearly 2,000 Cases Linked to Taco Bell Exposure

The FDA said 1,947 confirmed patients across the nine affected states reported eating at Taco Bell before becoming ill.

Investigators are using epidemiological data collected by the CDC to determine the source of the infections and whether contaminated shredded lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms was responsible for the outbreak.

Authorities are continuing to trace food distribution chains while working to identify additional affected consumers.

Cyclospora Cases Reported Across the US

Nationwide, the CDC has confirmed 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis this year.

In addition, the agency is monitoring more than 7,400 probable cases that have not yet been laboratory confirmed, with a significant number reported in Michigan and Ohio.

Health officials noted that Cyclospora infections have now been identified in at least 41 US states, although investigations remain ongoing to determine how many are directly connected to the lettuce-related outbreak.

What Is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces.

People typically become infected after consuming contaminated fresh produce, particularly raw fruits and vegetables.

Common symptoms include prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, bloating, and weight loss. While most healthy individuals recover with appropriate treatment, severe illness may require hospitalization, particularly among older adults or people with weakened immune systems.

Federal and state health authorities continue urging consumers and food businesses to follow food safety recommendations while the investigation remains underway.