(File Photo: Source for Photo: This undated photo taken through a microscope provided by the CDC shows Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts found in a fresh stool sample which had been prepared with a formalin solution and stained with safranin. (CDC via AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Atlanta, GA) Federal health officials expanded their investigation on Friday into an outbreak of a parasite called cyclospora to four more states, broadening the size of the largest U.S. outbreak of that parasite.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak first tied to shredded lettuce which was served at Taco Bell restaurants now includes Pennsylvania, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma.

The agency’s investigation previously included these five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. 

FDA officials noted last week that they remain focused on lettuce from Taylor Farms as the source of the outbreak. 

Public health experts confirm that cyclosporiasis is a food and waterborne illness which is caused by cyclospora, and it causes sometimes explosive, long-lasting, and watery diarrhea.