Taco Bell is joining in the fight against the virus that’s been causing explosive diarrhea lately.
Several locations of the fast food chain have temporarily pulled lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, cilantro, and onion from their menus as a precautionary measure amid a growing outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite that has sickened more than 3,000 people across the United States.
The parasite causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness in which the main symptom is sudden, watery, and sometimes explosive diarrhea.
Other symptoms include severe stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue.
Symptoms can last several weeks and may relapse after a person seems to feel better. It can take up to 14 days after exposure for symptoms to appear.
Michigan has been hit hardest, reporting more than 1,500 cases since the end of June, nearly 25 times the state’s annual average.
Cases have been confirmed in at least 31 states. The CDC is investigating alongside state and federal health officials, but no specific produce supplier has been identified as the source.
The parasite spreads through contaminated food or water, not person to person. Past outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce including basil, cilantro, spinach, raspberries, and lettuce blends.
Taco Bell has not been named as a source of any illnesses, and the ingredient removals are a proactive move. The chain is not offering price adjustments for affected menu items.
The CDC recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms contact their healthcare provider and specifically request testing for cyclosporiasis, as standard stool tests often miss the parasite.