Home / Health / Explosive Diarrhea: Cyclospora Cases Surge
Explosive Diarrhea: Cyclospora Cases Surge
25 Jul
Summary
- One man is suing Taco Bell after contracting cyclosporiasis from contaminated lettuce.
- Thousands across the U.S. have been affected by the growing parasitic outbreak.
- The FDA is investigating a potential link to lettuce from Mexico, though findings were initially disputed.
An Ohio man, Mohammed Ayyad, is suing Taco Bell's parent company, alleging he contracted cyclosporiasis from eating lettuce at the North Olmsted location in June. Ayyad experienced severe symptoms, including vomiting and frequent bathroom visits, which significantly impacted his life and work for weeks.
The parasitic infection, cyclosporiasis, has affected thousands across the U.S., with Ohio reporting over 2,600 cases as of July 24. Nationwide, the CDC has received reports of over 4,100 confirmed cases since May 1.
An investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration initially linked a multi-state outbreak to lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, leading to recalls. However, subsequent re-evaluation of samples resulted in a "false positive" finding. Despite this, the traceback investigation reportedly still points to the Taylor Farms lettuce.
Attorneys involved in lawsuits related to the outbreak note that the product tested may not be the exact product consumed. Taco Bell has stated they voluntarily removed potentially impacted lettuce from their supply chain.
As of July 25, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has dispatched investigators to Ohio to aid in understanding the outbreak's progression and source. Ayyad continues to experience lingering symptoms and is pursuing further medical evaluation and legal action.
