How a Chicago man was left with ‘explosive diarrhea’ after trip to Taco Bell

• A Cyclospora outbreak has resulted in nearly 1,700 confirmed diagnoses and an additional 5,100 reports across 34 states, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Alonso Zaragoza, a 46-year-old Chicago man, was hospitalized after experiencing severe cyclosporiasis symptoms, including 'explosive diarrhea,' chills, fever, vomiting, and significant weight loss, which led to an emergency room visit.
• Zaragoza suspects he contracted the parasite from a chalupa containing iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell, as it was the only lettuce-containing item he consumed, aligning with the CDC's investigation.
• The CDC linked the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracing the contamination to a single Mexican supplier.
• Taco Bell promptly removed the affected lettuce from its supply chain nationwide, and the CDC advises individuals experiencing cyclosporiasis symptoms to contact their healthcare provider and maintain hydration.

IN FULL

Chicago man hospitalized with ‘explosive diarrhea’ names Taco Bell menu item he ate