Diahrrea Lettuce? CDC Says 1 to 10 Cases Reported in WA

The Tainted Lettuce Outbreak Reaches Washington

Many of us concerned residents have been hoping that the nation-wide spread of farm-raised lettuce tainted with feces causing diarrhea wouldn't our towns. Unfortunately, the CDC just released a case map showing Washington has one to 10 cases already reported.

The CDC also says that we should be cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables that you buy from the grocery store.

Cooking your food thoroughly will also help kill the bacteria.

Cyclospora Outbreak in Washington State — Photo Credit CDC and Julien Tromeur on Unsplash

My friends and I have been avoiding eating shredded iceberg lettuce since I've heard about the outbreak. Health experts recommend you can avoid getting sick by scrubbing your vegetables clean with soap and water, a lesson my parents taught me at an early age.

Some Restaurants Have Taken Drastic Measure to Prevent Spread of the Outbreak

Taco Bell was the first national restaurant chain to announce they would remove shredded iceberg lettuce products from their menu after receiving word of the cyclosporiasis outbreak. The foodborne illness has been linked to detected traces of feces in lettuce products that have been traced to at least one farm that the restaurant sources its lettuce.

See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of cyclosporiasis, which can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Your provider can test and treat you for cyclosporiasis. Healthcare providers: If your patient has a confirmed case of cyclosporiasis, report the case to your local health department. - CDC

No Deaths Have Yet Been Reported in Washington State

So far, no deaths from cyclosporiasis have been noted, but CDC says over 1,645 cases and 141 hospitalizations have been reported by health providers. The government agency notes that some persons who have been infected with the bacteria may not experience any symptoms.