Cyclosporiasis symptoms typically begin about a week after infection and most commonly include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea and fatigue. Without treatment, symptoms may last a month or longer and can disappear before returning.
The two deaths were reported in Michigan but have not been specifically linked to the Taylor Farms lettuce at the center of the narrower federal investigation. State health officials said both people had significant underlying health conditions that may have been affected by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.
Sysco halted sales and distribution of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from Mexico in mid-July and conducted a voluntary recall before Taylor Farms issued its official recall, Hourican told Reuters. The distributor is now obtaining lettuce from other countries and growing regions.
The decision could affect restaurants, hospitals, schools, stadiums and other institutions that obtain food through Sysco. Hourican said the company has continued meeting customers’ lettuce needs, though replacing the volume supplied by Taylor Farms has been a challenge.
Chipotle Removes Jalapeños
Separately, health officials are investigating jalapeños served at Chipotle restaurants as a possible source of a salmonella outbreak.