Honeymoon Interrupted by Parasite Panic

A honeymoon in Yellowstone National Park took an unexpected turn for Wisconsin resident Gretchen Pleuss, who fell ill with cyclosporiasis. The newlywed began experiencing severe abdominal pain and incessant diarrhea a few days into her camping trip. Doctors later confirmed her diagnosis after she sought emergency medical attention.

Pleuss suspects she contracted the parasitic infection from shredded lettuce served in a sandwich. She described the abdominal discomfort as a tightening sensation in her intestines. Despite this health setback, Pleuss and her husband are committed to making the best of their honeymoon.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,644 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across five U.S. states, resulting in 94 hospitalizations. The current outbreak has been specifically linked to shredded iceberg lettuce.

In response, Taylor Farms, a major lettuce supplier, initiated a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. This action followed the CDC's identification of lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants as a potential source. Taco Bell confirmed it had removed the affected lettuce from its nationwide supply chain as a precautionary measure.