Ohio Woman Falls Ill After Salad Amid Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

A Toledo, Ohio woman told local media that she nearly died after trying a salad at a restaurant. She said that within hours of taking a bite, she developed severe diarrhea. The woman ordered the salad on June 24, but noticed some brown leaves and sent it back, but not before taking a small bite that proved to be the cause of her illness.

At first, the symptoms were manageable, and she was even able to go to work. But soon the diarrhea returned with a vengeance, accompanied by severe abdominal cramping. She couldn't eat solid food and went over a week without eating. Only after ten days of illness did she go to the emergency room, where doctors diagnosed her with cyclosporiasis, an infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.

By that time, she had also developed a urinary tract infection and elevated liver enzymes, which doctors said were consequences of the underlying illness. The woman admitted that she felt "deathly ill" and never expected a simple salad to cause such serious health issues.

The cyclosporiasis outbreak in the U.S. continues to spread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1,645 domestically acquired cases have been reported since May. Authorities have not yet identified the exact source, but previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, with lettuce and salad greens being prime suspects.

The fast-food chain Taco Bell has come under scrutiny as a possible link to the outbreak. The company has already removed several ingredients from its menu, including lettuce, as a precaution. Representatives said they are cooperating with health agencies to determine any connection to the illness.

Experts remind that cyclosporiasis is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water and advise thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before consumption. Symptoms may appear several days after infection and include diarrhea, cramping, nausea, and fatigue. Most cases resolve on their own, but some require antibiotic treatment.

For the Ohio woman, this incident has been a serious ordeal. She hopes her story will help others be more cautious and draw attention to food safety issues. "I don't want anyone else to go through what I went through," she shared.