A Chicago resident who was hospitalized with a severe parasitic infection has shared details of the Taco Bell meal he believes preceded his illness, as federal investigators continue probing a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak and the fast-food chain faces a growing number of lawsuits.
Hospital Stay Followed Days of Worsening Symptoms
Alonso Zaragoza, 46, said he endured nearly a week of relentless gastrointestinal illness before seeking emergency medical care.
According to his account, severe diarrhea left him unable to rest for more than short periods, with frequent trips to the bathroom disrupting his sleep.
The situation escalated when he noticed blood in his stool, prompting an emergency room visit.
Doctors carried out blood work and laboratory testing before diagnosing him with cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite.
Meal Investigation Points to Taco Bell Chalupa
After receiving his diagnosis, Zaragoza said he carefully reviewed everything he had eaten in the days before becoming sick in an effort to determine the possible source of the infection.
He said the only meal he identified containing lettuce was a chalupa included in Taco Bell’s Luxe Box.
After checking the restaurant’s ingredient information, he confirmed the menu item contained iceberg lettuce, leading him to suspect it may have been connected to his illness.
While Zaragoza has shared his personal account, health authorities have not confirmed that his individual case was caused by Taco Bell.
Federal Agencies Trace Outbreak to Iceberg Lettuce
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a five-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce.
Although federal agencies have not publicly identified the supplier, reports citing sources familiar with the investigation have indicated that Taylor Farms supplied the lettuce involved.
The company has since voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, while Taco Bell removed the affected ingredient from its restaurants as a precaution.
Investigators continue examining whether the same supplier may be connected to additional illnesses reported outside the initial group of affected states.
Illinois Records Hundreds of Confirmed Cases
Illinois health officials have confirmed at least 309 cases of cyclosporiasis statewide, including approximately 60 infections reported in Chicago.
Following his diagnosis, Zaragoza urged consumers to remain cautious by properly washing produce, staying hydrated, and paying close attention to food safety practices when eating fresh vegetables.
Lawsuits Mount Against Taco Bell
As the investigation continues, Taco Bell has become the target of multiple lawsuits filed in Michigan and Ohio by customers who claim they contracted the parasite after eating food from the restaurant.
Among the plaintiffs is Ohio resident Mohammed Ayyad, who alleges the infection left him too sick to carry out normal daily activities.
His lawsuit accuses Taco Bell franchise operator Pacific Bells of violating consumer protection laws by serving lettuce that allegedly failed to meet advertised quality standards.
A separate lawsuit filed by a Michigan couple similarly claims they developed cyclosporiasis after consuming lettuce served at Taco Bell and alleges negligence along with violations of state consumer protection statutes.
Michigan Experiences Unusual Surge in Cases
Michigan has reported an extraordinary increase in cyclosporiasis infections this year.
State officials have recorded more than 4,300 cases—far exceeding the state’s usual annual total of fewer than 50—with 102 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak.
The dramatic spike has intensified scrutiny of the lettuce supply chain and prompted broader public health investigations into the source of contamination.
Understanding the Cyclospora Parasite
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine and typically spreads through contaminated food or water rather than direct person-to-person contact.
Fresh produce can become contaminated if exposed to human fecal matter during cultivation, harvesting, or processing.
Symptoms commonly include prolonged diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, fatigue, vomiting, and loss of appetite, with some patients requiring hospitalization for dehydration or other complications.
Taco Bell Says It Acted Quickly
Taco Bell said it voluntarily removed potentially affected lettuce supplied to restaurants in select states after discussions with public health officials.
The company stated that the ingredient has been removed indefinitely from its nationwide supply chain and replaced where necessary.
The restaurant chain emphasized that no official public health advisory had specifically identified Taco Bell as the source of the outbreak but said it acted out of caution, adding that protecting customers is a shared responsibility among restaurants, suppliers, and health authorities.
Investigation Continues
Federal investigators are continuing to determine the full scope of the outbreak and whether additional illnesses are connected to the same lettuce supplier.
Recent updates from the CDC and FDA indicate that traceback efforts linked illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce from a single supplier in Mexico that was distributed to Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
As the investigation progresses, health officials are expected to determine whether additional states or food distributors were affected and whether further recalls or legal actions will follow.
Summary
A Chicago man diagnosed with cyclosporiasis believes a Taco Bell chalupa containing iceberg lettuce may have been the source of his illness, though investigators have not confirmed his individual case.
Meanwhile, federal agencies are investigating a multi-state outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce, Taco Bell has removed the ingredient from its supply chain, and the company faces a growing number of lawsuits from customers who claim they became seriously ill after eating at its restaurants.
