Nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis suspected nationwide, CDC says

Michigan health officials suggested lettuce or salad greens could be possible sources. Taco Bell said it had removed some ingredients “as a precautionary measure.”

Nearly 7,000 people nationwide may have cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness that can cause weeks of severe diarrhea, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday. The bulk of the cases are in Michigan, which has confirmed 3,309 cases.

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In a health alert, the CDC reported that 1,645 people have been sickened by cyclosporiasis across the country, making it one of the largest outbreaks of foodborne illness in the U.S. in years. The CDC urged doctors to be alert for patients with common symptoms of the infection, including watery diarrhea, bloating and nausea.

An additional 5,100 cases are under investigation.