Cyclosporiasis outbreak has expanded to six more states

A massive cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to an additional six states, according to a source familiar with the matter.

A massive cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to an additional six states, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The outbreak, caused by a microscopic parasite found in human feces, is responsible for hundreds of hospitalizations and two deaths since early May.

The newly linked states — Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina — join Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, said the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has reported 1,095 cases as of Sunday — nearly double the number of cases it reported last week.

The agency’s update marks a significant expansion in the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness that often leads to watery, sometimes explosive, diarrhea.

Add NBC News to GoogleTwo deaths linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan02:19The additional states, however, do not necessarily mean the outbreak is continuing to spread, said Dr. Stephen Ostroff, a former acting Food and Drug Administration commissioner.