Suspected cause of ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite sweeping through US finally discovered

The potential source of an outbreak of 'explosive diarrhoea' caused by a parasite in some US states has been identified.

The Washington Post reports that shredded iceberg lettuce served in some of Taco Bell's restaurants is a 'potential source of contamination' for cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness that has infected thousands of people.

A source close to the investigation into the outbreak told WP: "The signal we have gotten is that there is a very high percentage of people who got sick at Taco Bell, and when investigators asked what their menu items were in common, lettuce came up frequently."

It's reported that when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked Taco Bell where they got their lettuce from, Taylor Farms was the answer for restaurants in Michigan - where the outbreak has hit hardest - as well as Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Shredded iceberg lettuce has been identified as a potential source of contamination (Getty Stock Images)

Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said they had identified a link between cases in the four states, indicating they were from the same source, it's reported.

"Do not eat food items with shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia," the FDA said.

On their website, Taylor Farms says: "Our mission is to ensure that every leaf, every vegetable, and every product that reaches your table is not only fresh and delicious but also safe for you and your family."

Taco Bell removes lettuce from menu

Taco Bell has removed lettuce from some of its restaurants (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Taco Bell is now removing lettuce from its menu in some states after the possible link to cyclosporiasis was unearthed.

"While no official advisory has been issued, we believe public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities," the restaurant said.

Taco Bell told the BBC they had made the decision 'out of an abundance of caution' after talks with health officials.

The fast-food chain has said the lettuce from one of its suppliers had been removed 'indefinitely' and will be replaced.

However, Taco Bell did not clarify in which restaurants the lettuce will be removed from the menu.

It was reportedly earlier in July that some Taco Bell restaurants in the Detroit area posted notices which read that they were: "Currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall."

The outbreak has been concentrated in the state of Michigan, where more than 4,300 cases have been reported and at least 100 people have been hospitalised as of Thursday (16 July).

Taco Bell statement

Taco Bell Corp said in a statement: "Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell has taken immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states.

"The affected ingredient from our supplier is being indefinitely removed from our supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in select states.

"While no official advisory has been issued, we believe public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities, and we are proud to have consistently acted quickly and proactively to protect our guests.

"Taco Bell has taken precautionary action, and we encourage all relevant restaurants, retailers, and foodservice operators to do the same."

Patients can experience nasty symptoms (Getty Stock Image)

Lettuce has been identified as the suspected source after interviews with more than 1,000 patients.

Cases of cyclosporiasis have been on the rise since May and could continue until the end of August, with symptoms typically taking two weeks to present.

According to the NHS, in addition to watery diarrhoea, the parasitic infection can also lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, fatigue, muscles ache, feeling sick or nauseous, as well as bloating and flatulence and a fever.

The Cleveland Clinic says the condition is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, and is frequently linked to contaminated water.

This can create a link to fresh produce, as fruit and veg may be washed or treated using water that is contaminated with the parasite.

The NHS advises that the parasite is 'not found in the UK'. However, Brits should be aware if they are travelling abroad.

LADbible has approached Taylor Farms, the FDA and CDC for comment.