An outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a disease caused by a parasite present in food and water contaminated with feces, is spreading across the United States.
The disease is marked by watery, explosive diarrhea and can cause other symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating.
Treatment typically consists of antibiotics. Doctors should advise patients to stay hydrated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a health alert.
Officials said on July 16 that shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell is behind at least some of the cases and hospitalizations recorded in recent months.
Prevention tips include washing hands before and after handling produce, avoiding bagged salad mixes, removing several outer layers of leaves of lettuce before cutting, and cooking produce before consumption….