A massive cyclosporiasis outbreak has been linked to four more states, bringing the total number of affected states to nine. The outbreak, which has been reported in Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, in addition to Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, has resulted in over 12,000 cases of the diarrheal illness so far this summer.

Investigation Underway

Health departments in the nine states have reported the cases, with the majority of them in Michigan. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the outbreak, along with federal and state health officials. Detailed interviews with patients have helped health officials identify iceberg lettuce sourced from Central Mexico as the likely source of the contamination.

Investigators with the US Food and Drug Administration, as well as health authorities in Mexico, are actively investigating what may have caused the contamination. Taylor Farms has recalled shredded lettuce that was shipped to restaurants, food services, and retailers in 27 states.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.