Près de 5 000 cas de cyclosporiasis provoquant une "diarrhée explosive" signalés aux États-Unis; enquête sur le lien entre Taco Bell et épidémie

Nearly 5,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in the United States, with health officials investigating whether Taco Bell is linked to the outbreak. The parasitic infection, which causes “explosive diarrhea,” has primarily affected residents in Michigan, where state health authorities have recorded 3,309 confirmed cases, including 44 hospitalizations. Officials there suspect leafy greens and other vegetables might be the source, though the investigation is ongoing. The second hardest-hit state is Ohio, where local health departments in the Toledo-Lucas area have documented 1,119 positive cases in the northwest region. New York has also reported approximately 470 cases statewide, bringing the total number of states under investigation to around 30, including California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, and Colorado. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed 843 cases so far and are examining more than 1,500 others. However, they acknowledge that the numbers reported by individual states exceed their current count. This discrepancy highlights challenges in tracking the disease, as the CDC made the monitoring of cyclosporiasis optional starting in July 2025. As a result, the true extent of the outbreak remains unclear. Health experts warn that the actual number of infected individuals could be significantly higher due to this change in reporting practices. The University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) has raised concerns over the lack of mandatory reporting, emphasizing that the real impact of the outbreak may not yet be fully understood. Meanwhile, federal and state agencies are exploring whether Taco Bell restaurants played a role in spreading the parasite. According to reports based on anonymous sources, the fast-food chain has taken steps to mitigate potential risks by removing certain ingredients such as lettuce, cilantro, onion, guacamole, and pico de gallo from its menu items at several locations. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which can lead to symptoms lasting days or weeks. These include explosive diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, gas, nausea, fever, and muscle pain. The American Medical Association (AMA) has issued guidelines advising frequent handwashing, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or caring for someone who is ill. It also recommends thoroughly washing all food, discarding damaged parts of fruits and vegetables, and storing cut produce in the refrigerator within two hours. In response to the growing concern, some fast-food chains have implemented precautionary measures. Taco Bell's decision to remove specific ingredients reflects broader efforts among food service providers to prevent contamination during outbreaks. While these actions aim to reduce risk, they do not eliminate the possibility of transmission through other means. Public health officials continue to urge vigilance and adherence to hygiene protocols to curb the spread of the infection. As the investigation into the source of the outbreak continues, the focus remains on identifying the exact origin of the parasite and implementing effective containment strategies. With multiple states reporting cases and the CDC working to gather more data, the situation underscores the importance of accurate reporting and transparency in public health responses. Until further information is available, the emphasis will remain on prevention and education to protect communities from future outbreaks.