TUSCALOOSA, AL — Alabama health officials say reported cases of cyclosporiasis have more than doubled in recent days as investigators continue tracking a national outbreak linked to contaminated fresh produce.
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The Alabama Department of Public Health reported Monday that 28 cases of the intestinal illness have been confirmed statewide as of July 20, up from 11 cases reported in the state's last update.
Officials say 22 of the state's cases have been reported in North Alabama, while two cases were reported in the Southwestern District.
One case each has also been identified in the Mobile, Northeastern, Southeastern and West Central districts.
Only two patients have required hospitalization, and no deaths have been reported.
Health officials said four cases were associated with international travel, while eight cases have been linked to two separate foodborne outbreaks at Mexican-style restaurants.
The update comes as federal investigators continue examining a nationwide Cyclospora outbreak.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have linked certain lots of shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia to illnesses.
However, ADPH said none of Alabama's cases have been directly connected to those Taco Bell locations.
Federal officials also announced that laboratory testing previously believed to have detected Cyclospora in lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico was determined to be a false positive after further review.
Despite that finding, Taylor Farms de Mexico and Taylor Fresh Foods are voluntarily removing iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. The affected lettuce has been supplied to several major retailers and restaurant chains, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, Trader Joe's, Walmart, Sysco, Cross Valley Farms and Peak Fresh Produce.
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes a gastrointestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. The illness is most commonly reported in the United States between May and August and is often linked to contaminated fresh produce, including leafy greens, basil, cilantro, berries, melons and snow peas.
Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure and commonly include watery diarrhea, fatigue and loss of appetite. Other symptoms may include stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and weight loss. Without treatment, illness can last several weeks or longer.
ADPH encourages anyone experiencing symptoms to contact a healthcare provider and request testing specifically for Cyclospora, since routine stool tests may not detect the parasite.
Health officials also recommend washing fresh produce under running water, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding recalled lettuce products and checking for the latest recall information from ADPH, the CDC and the FDA.
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