A man from Chicago had to be hospitalized after contracting cyclosporiasis, often referred to as the “explosive diarrhea protozoa,” from a Taco Bell item. He experienced severe symptoms for a week before doctors pinpointed the issue.
Alonso Zaragoza, 46, remembers rushing to the emergency room last Wednesday after being plagued by diarrhea for over a week. He noted, “I was going to the bathroom every hour and a half. I don’t think I slept more than an hour and a half at a time last week.”
The situation escalated when blood was discovered in his stool. “My family said, ‘This isn’t normal,'” he recounted.
After conducting tests, doctors provided Zaragoza with IV fluids, leading to a diagnosis of cyclosporiasis—a rapidly spreading intestinal illness linked primarily to contaminated iceberg lettuce.
Desperate to figure out where he got the parasite, Zaragoza scrutinized his recent meals. “We checked everything, and nothing had lettuce in it except for Taco Bell’s premium box Chalupa,” he explained, referencing the popular Chalupa Supreme.
By Saturday, he felt he was “probably about 80%” better while acknowledging that many others were struggling more.
Health officials report nearly 7,000 illness cases across 34 states tied to this outbreak, largely due to contaminated lettuce from Taylor Farms served at Taco Bell. So far, 94 people have required hospitalization, but no fatalities have been recorded.
Fast food chains are currently facing numerous lawsuits regarding their involvement in this outbreak.
One plaintiff, Mohamed Ayyad, a regular patron of a Taco Bell in North Olmsted, Ohio, claims his problems began after ordering Cheese Fiesta Potatoes and Avocado Ranch Chicken Stackers on three different occasions in mid-June.
Shortly afterward, he experienced symptoms such as a severe headache, vomiting, and debilitating diarrhea, which left him unable to sleep, according to his lawsuit filed in federal court.
By July 9, a stool test confirmed Ayyad’s infection with the parasite. His lawsuit states that he has missed two weeks of work, lost income, and continues to deal with symptoms like nausea.
The lawsuit includes Pacific Bells LLC, a franchisee operating around 300 Taco Bell locations, as a defendant. Ayyad’s attorney has indicated plans to amend the complaint to involve Taylor Farms as the source of the contaminated produce.
More lawsuits appear to be on the horizon, noted Ayyad’s lawyer, with over 30 individuals already reaching out, 90% of whom have dined at Taco Bell.
Taco Bell confirmed they have removed the affected lettuce from their establishments but noted that Taylor Farms issued a recall of various lettuce products.
Cyclosporiasis spreads when microscopic parasites contaminated with human feces are ingested. The illness typically results in prolonged diarrhea, but can also cause stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, bloating, weight loss, and low-grade fever, according to the CDC.
The FDA has mentioned that those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and children may face more severe symptoms.
Zaragoza urged others to take precautions amidst the ongoing infections. “Please be cautious about hydration. No matter where you eat, ensure you wash, clean, and cook the vegetables you consume,” he advised.
Zaragoza did not reply immediately to further inquiries.
