Chicago, Illinois — A Chicago man says a visit to Taco Bell turned into a week-long medical ordeal after he developed what doctors diagnosed as cyclospora, an intestinal parasite that has been linked to a multistate outbreak associated with contaminated iceberg lettuce.
The illness left 46-year-old Alonso Zaragoza making constant trips to the bathroom, struggling to sleep, and eventually seeking emergency medical care after his symptoms worsened.
Health officials continue to investigate the nationwide outbreak, which has sickened thousands of people across the United States.
Hospital Visit Came After Week of Severe Symptoms
Zaragoza said his illness began with relentless diarrhea that lasted for more than a week before he finally went to the emergency room.
“It was just every hour and a half going to the washroom,” Zaragoza said. “I don’t think I slept more than an hour and a half continuously in the last week.”
The situation became even more alarming when he noticed blood in his stool.
“My family was like, ‘That’s not normal,’” he recalled.
Doctors performed blood tests and stool samples before placing him on IV fluids. He was later diagnosed with cyclospora infection (cyclosporiasis), a parasitic illness that affects the intestines.
Customer Traced Illness Back to Taco Bell Meal
After receiving the diagnosis, Zaragoza reviewed everything he had eaten in an effort to determine where he may have been exposed.
He said the only meal containing iceberg lettuce that he could remember eating was a Chalupa Supreme included in a Taco Bell Luxe Box.
“I looked through everything; there was nothing that I ate that contained lettuce except for a chalupa from the luxe box at Taco Bell,” he said.
“I looked at the app, I Googled the ingredients – it said iceberg lettuce.”
By the weekend, Zaragoza said he was feeling much better.
“That’s still better than a lot of people right now,” he said, estimating he had recovered to about 80%.
Thousands Sickened as Lawsuits Continue
According to health officials, nearly 7,000 people across 34 states have become ill during the outbreak, with 94 hospitalizations reported. No deaths have been announced.
The outbreak has largely been linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell locations.
Several lawsuits have already been filed.
One plaintiff, Mohammed Ayyad of Ohio, alleges he became seriously ill after eating Taco Bell meals on multiple occasions in June. According to court filings, he later tested positive for cyclospora, missed two weeks of work, lost income, and continues to experience lingering symptoms.
Attorney Bill Marler, who represents Ayyad, said additional legal claims are expected.
“We have been contacted by more than 30 people – and 90% of them ate at Taco Bell,” Marler said.
It’s important to note that the lawsuits contain allegations that have not been proven in court, and investigations into the outbreak remain ongoing.
Taco Bell Responds as Officials Urge Caution
Taco Bell said it has removed the affected Taylor Farms lettuce from its restaurants following the outbreak.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that spreads when contaminated food or water is consumed. According to public health officials, symptoms can include prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, bloating, weight loss, and low-grade fever. Older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems may face a greater risk of severe illness.
As he continues recovering, Zaragoza hopes others will take food safety seriously.
“Stay hydrated, be careful [about] where you’re eating, making sure you wash, clean and cook any greens that you’re eating,” he said.
What are your thoughts on this nationwide foodborne illness outbreak? Have you ever experienced food poisoning after eating at a restaurant? Share your experience respectfully in the comments below.
