In twenty US states, thousands of people poisoned by Mexican salad. Two dead.

Many of the ill reported eating at Taco Bell restaurants. Approximately 90% of interviewed patients consumed iceberg lettuce.

The investigation led specialists to one of the suppliers — the Mexican company Taylor Farms de Mexico, which supplied lettuce from central Mexico. The company had already recalled the affected produce from the American market on July 17, and Taco Bell ceased using it.

The recall also affected some packages of Marketside brand chopped lettuce and iceberg, sold at Walmart stores, as well as products supplied to restaurants and other food service establishments in various states.

Павялічыць

However, an initial laboratory test that indicated the presence of the parasite was later deemed erroneous after re-examination. The link between the lettuce and the outbreak was determined based on epidemiological data and supply chain tracing. Sample analysis is ongoing.

Up to six weeks can pass between consuming the contaminated product, the appearance of symptoms, seeking medical attention, and conducting tests. Furthermore, the actual number of cases is likely higher, as some people experience the illness without medical help and appropriate testing.

Across the USA, 17,180 cases of domestically acquired cyclosporiasis have been recorded. This number includes not only cases linked to the lettuce. This is almost 15 times more than during the same period last year, when 1,180 cases were registered.

Meanwhile, the sources of infection in several other cyclosporiasis outbreaks have not yet been identified.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which enters the body through contaminated food or water. Typically, about a week later, symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue appear. Without treatment, symptoms can persist for several weeks, disappear, and then return. The infection can be most severe in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

As a preventive measure, specialists advise thoroughly washing vegetables under running water, removing damaged parts and outer leaves, storing cut produce in the refrigerator, and preventing contact with raw meat. However, ordinary washing does not guarantee complete removal of the parasite.

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