Cyclospora Outbreak: Patient Experiences Severe Symptoms Beyond Diarrhea

Outbreak Impact and Geographic Spread

Amid a Cyclospora outbreak affecting thousands nationwide, one patient’s experience highlights symptoms extending beyond the known diarrhea. This account emerges as cases expand, with state health departments reporting thousands of infections. Michigan stands as the most affected state. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documents 1,645 confirmed cases across 34 states, 141 hospitalizations, and no deaths. CDC officials are assessing over 5,100 additional cases potentially tied to the outbreak.

Suspected Source: Iceberg Lettuce

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC suspect shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico, produced by Taylor Farms, as a potential outbreak source. Following this, the FDA advised avoiding shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Taylor Farms plans to recall products potentially linked to the outbreak, though the recall’s scope remains undisclosed.

Taco Bell Corp stated to Newsweek, “The health and safety of our guests is our top priority. Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer.”

Patient’s Experience with Cyclospora Symptoms

Chase Strangio, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) civil rights lawyer, didn’t eat at Taco Bell before falling ill in May. He had consumed lettuce and cilantro during a work lunch in New York. Strangio’s symptoms started a week later with nausea and overnight discomfort, followed by fever and significant diarrhea.

Initially suspecting a stomach virus, Strangio faced ongoing lack of appetite and severe cramps even after fever and diarrhea subsided. Learning that others who ate the same lunch were sick, Strangio eventually tested positive for Cyclospora.

“The symptoms are much more complicated than just explosive diarrhea,” Strangio shared.

He lost 7 pounds and required intravenous fluids. Severe fatigue and loss of appetite persisted. Despite recovery, he feels anxiety, especially about consuming uncooked food again.

Cyclospora Symptoms Overview

According to the CDC, prolonged, watery diarrhea typifies cyclosporiasis, but the infection can also cause:

• Severe fatigue
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Intense stomach cramps and bloating
• Nausea and increased gas

Treatment and Origin of Cyclospora

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), sold as Bactrim or Septra, is recommended for cyclospora treatment. Supportive care, including hydration, is crucial for managing dehydration. Strangio improved with Bactrim, though some colleagues found contraindications and remained sick as of July 17th.

Cyclospora originates from Cyclospora cayetanensis, resulting from human fecal contamination of food or water. The parasite is resistant to washing but can be inactivated through cooking. Contamination often arises when crops or agricultural water contact human waste, infiltrating produce, herbs, berries, and vegetables.

Disparately from other foodborne illnesses, Cyclospora isn’t typically transmitted directly between individuals. It requires maturation in the environment before becoming infectious.