W.Va. Cyclosporiasis Numbers Rise Again

The number of cyclosporiasis cases identified in West Virginia rose to 139 in 26 counties, according to new figures released Friday afternoon by the state Department of Health Bureau for Public Health (BPH).  

The BPH is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as they investigate a multi-state outbreak of the foodborne stomach parasite. 
 
The 139 cases in West Virginia include 15 hospitalizations. 

The BPH advises the public to: 

• Avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in West Virginia 

• Contact a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms of cyclosporiasis, especially if they ate shredded iceberg lettuce from a Taco Bell restaurant during the two weeks before becoming ill 

• Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that came into contact with shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell 

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss. Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure and can persist for several weeks if left untreated. 
 
Those experiencing gastrointestinal illness, such as sudden and ongoing diarrhea, are encouraged to contact their health care provider for testing and treatment.  
 
For more information, visit: https://oeps.wv.gov/cyclosporiasis-outbreak.