Not Just Lettuce! TWO New Sources Identified In Explosive Diarrhea Outbreak!

Oh no, there’s more food to avoid if you don’t want to get the explosive diarrhea parasite!

So far, we’ve all known to avoid iceberg lettuce, but now health officials in North Carolina are warning everyone to be careful when consuming parsley and cilantro!

In a press conference on Tuesday, per Consumer Reports, officials said they’ve seen a huge surge of cyclospora illnesses in their state this summer, with 561 cases reported since May 1. While lettuce may be involved, they also listed the two herbs as food items that keep “showing up repeatedly” in interviews with those infected.

Interestingly, though, the increase in cases in North Carolina so far doesn’t seem to be related to the illnesses “associated with lettuce and Taco Bell” in other states. Hmm. The findings are preliminary, and no definitive source of the parasite has been identified at this time.

This comes as there are currently two major different outbreaks of cyclosporiasis being investigated across the country. While iceberg lettuce and Taco Bell have been linked to the first, largest outbreak, the FDA hasn’t figured out what caused the second, with at least 72 cases so far. For now, the North Carolina DHHS advised:

“If using ingredients that have been identified to be associated with the increase in cyclospora cases in North Carolina like lettuce, parsley, and cilantro, please consider removing or cooking fully to avoid getting yourself or others sick.”

It’s a scary summer to be eating fresh produce!

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[Image created for PerezHilton.com]