Parasite Outbreak May Be Linked To Fast Food Chain As MD Cases Double

New figures released by the Maryland Department of Health show cyclosporiasis cases have more than doubled in the past week. Taco Bell restaurants are also reportedly under investigation as the possible source of the outbreak.

Health officials have confirmed 69 cases of cyclosporiasis in Maryland, 65 of which were documented between May 1 and July 14.

"The data includes cases that are domestically acquired and those associated with international travel," the department said in a statement.

Previous numbers released by the agency showed authorities had confirmed just 32 cases since the start of the year.

Related: Cases of Diarrhea-Causing Parasite Reported In MD

Officials have still not identified a common link to the parasitic illness that has become widely known for causing "explosive" diarrhea.

Cyclosporiasis can be contracted by consuming contaminated foods or water. Foods linked to past outbreaks have included a mix of greens and vegetables, such as parsley, broccoli and cilantro.

It cannot be spread person to person, as the parasite is passed through bowel movements and can take days or weeks to become infectious.

In addition to watery diarrhea, other symptoms include appetite loss, weight loss, cramping, bloating, flu-like symptoms, vomiting, and body aches, among others. Symptoms vary by person and can emerge up to 14 days after cyclosporiasis is contracted.

Connections To Taco Bell

Amid the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, fast food giant Taco Bell may be linked to the spread of the parasitic illness.

Earlier, the chain drew attention after issuing public notices announcing a nationwide recall of lettuce, cilantro, pico de gallo, and guacamole.

While the recall was part of precautionary measures, speculation grew after two people familiar with the CDC's cyclosporiasis investigation told The Washington Post that "some people" who had become sick had eaten at Taco Bell. However, other individuals who've become ill have not eaten at the food chain.

In a statement to the Post, Taco Bell said the company "voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure."

"The health and safety of our guests is our top priority," the company said. "Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer."

What's The CDC Said?

The latest update issued by the CDC on Tuesday said a total of 34 states are linked to the cyclosporiasis outbreak that has amounted to 1,645 confirmed cases since May 1.

However, an additional 5,100 reports of people who are infected still need to be confirmed through state agencies.

From the confirmed cases, 141 incidents involved hospitalizations. To date, no one has died as a result of the illness.

Michigan, which has become a cyclosporiasis hotspot, is said to be close to pinpointing a source. State officials previously flagged lettuce and salad greens, according to interviews with people who contracted the parasite.

Officials have not been able to determine if a single grower or produce supplier is at the root of the outbreak.