Indiana records 1,349 cases in US Cyclospora outbreak involving lettuce

INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — Indiana health officials on Monday confirmed 1,349 cases of cyclosporiasis in the state, contributing to a record-breaking national outbreak that federal investigators have traced to contaminated lettuce.

The Indiana Department of Health dashboard shows that 57%, or 763, of the state’s patients are female and 43%, or 586, are male. The outbreak has affected people of all ages, with patients ranging from infants to 98-year-olds.

Allen County leads the state with 290 cases. Other heavily affected areas include Marion County, 108 cases; Steuben County, 92; Noble County, 85; and Elkhart County, 74.

While the Indiana dashboard provides no data on hospitalizations or deaths, fatalities are happening elsewhere.

Michigan health officials announced Monday that two people have died in a related Cyclospora outbreak. These are the first confirmed deaths in the U.S. linked to the microscopic parasite.

Federal investigators say lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations across five states caused the widespread illness.

Since May 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received reports of more than 4,100 confirmed cases. The CDC is investigating another 7,400 likely cases across 41 states.

Federal health officials warned that other businesses or suppliers could be tied to the outbreak as the investigation continues.