An outbreak of a parasite that causes explosive diarrhoea has spread to 15 U.S. states.
The parasite causes an infection called Cyclosporiasis and spreads through contaminated food and water.
Officials are focusing on iceberg lettuce from one company, Taylor Farms, and lettuce served at the fast food chain Taco Bell.
Taylor Farms has recalled all of the lettuce it imported from Mexico and distributed to the U.S.
Cyclosporiasis
A person can catch Cyclosporiasis through eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with a parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis.
Symptoms usually begin within a week of contact and include explosive diarrhoea.
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Health authorities say it’s safest to buy whole heads of lettuce rather than bagged mixes and wash them yourself, and to cook any greens rather than eat them raw.
Spread
Earlier this week, the first two deaths from the outbreak were reported in the state of Michigan.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says the two people had “significant underlying health conditions” that would have been exacerbated by contracting the parasite.
The FDA and CDC added that as of Wednesday (U.S. time), there are more than 6,300 reported cases, though the actual number may be higher.
