(INDIANAPOLIS) - Several cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported around Northeast Indiana.
According to the Indiana Department of Health's case dashboard, 4 cases have been reported in LaGrange County. Noble County has 23 cases while Elkhart County has 29 cases.
In addition, Steuben County has 23 reported cases and DeKalb County has 13 cases.
Federal health officials are warning consumers not to eat Taco Bell food containing shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico at restaurants in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. The lettuce has been linked to an outbreak involving more than 1,644 illnesses and 94 hospitalizations.
Taylor Farms de Mexico is removing iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and has informed the FDA that it will begin a recall. Taco Bell has stopped using lettuce from the supplier identified in the investigation.
Health officials say the northeast Indiana totals do not mean every local infection is connected to Taco Bell or the same food source. Other cyclosporiasis cases and outbreaks remain under investigation.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite. People generally become infected by consuming contaminated food or water.
Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure but can appear between two and 14 days later. They include frequent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, appetite loss, weight loss and dehydration. Anyone with persistent or severe diarrhea should contact a healthcare provider and specifically mention possible Cyclospora exposure.