- Taco Bell has removed several fresh ingredients, including lettuce, cilantro, and guacamole from its menu items nationwide due to a parasite outbreak causing a spike in cyclosporiasis cases.
- The cyclosporiasis outbreak, characterized by explosive and watery diarrhea, has led to nearly 1,000 infections in Michigan alone, significantly exceeding its typical annual count of about 50 cases.
- The parasite, Cyclospora, infects the bowels and is often contracted through contaminated produce, with cases surging in states like Michigan, Illinois, Virginia, Ohio, and New York.
- While no specific produce supplier or type has been identified as the source of the current outbreak, previous incidents have been linked to items such as bagged salad mixes, cilantro, and raspberries.
- Cyclosporiasis is generally not life-threatening and is treatable with antibiotics, with health officials advising individuals with persistent diarrhea to seek medical attention and to thoroughly wash produce.
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