No Canadian cyclospora outbreak from U.S. tainted lettuce, CFIA confirms
Federal health officials say no cases of the parasite linked to Taco Bell iceberg lettuce from Mexico have been detected in Canada, though the U.S. outbreak has sickened nearly 7,000 people.
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Canada has not been affected by a major cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Mexico, federal health officials said Friday. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed no contaminated lettuce from the outbreak has entered Canada and no cases of the infection have been detected here.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control warned people in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants. As of this week, nearly 7,000 people across multiple U.S. states may have been sickened since May, according to CDC data. The outbreak causes cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness marked by watery diarrhea lasting six to seven weeks, along with bloating, nausea, stomach cramps, and fever.
The CFIA said it is monitoring the situation closely with U.S. and provincial partners and routinely tests for cyclospora as part of its surveillance program targeting imported fresh vegetables, berries, and herbs. The agency does not consider restricting fresh produce imports from the United States at this time.
Public Health Agency of Canada said eating local produce, especially in spring and summer months, is a way residents can reduce infection risk.
By the numbers
How many people in the U.S. have been sickened in the cyclospora outbreak as of this week?
Nearly 7,000 people across multiple U.S. states may have been sickened since May, according to CDC data.
Which U.S. states were warned about contaminated Taco Bell lettuce?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control warned people in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants.
What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness marked by watery diarrhea lasting six to seven weeks, along with bloating, nausea, stomach cramps, and fever.
