Man hospitalized with cyclosporiasis after eating Taco Bell chalupa

A 46-year-old Chicago man spent several days in a hospital emergency room after developing symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection. Alonso Zaragoza told NBC Chicago that his symptoms began around July 11 and included chills, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea that required bathroom visits every 90 minutes.

He said he lost five pounds, received an intravenous drip, and provided blood and stool samples at Northwestern Hospital. Zaragoza stated that the only lettuce he consumed came from a chalupa in a Taco Bell luxe box meal. He said he reviewed the menu item ingredients through the restaurant app and online searches before identifying the source.

The Food and Drug

Administration said a sample from Taco Bell supplier Taylor Farms that initially tested positive for the parasite was later ruled a false positive. Laboratory staff re-examined the results, and the agency reported no confirmed positive product samples as of Sunday.

Both Taco Bell and Taylor Farms have not responded to requests for comment. The FDA has restarted efforts to identify the source of an outbreak that has affected nearly 7,000 people suspected of cyclosporiasis across 34 states since May. Zaragoza posted on Facebook that he urges others to wash and cook greens before eating them.

He said the experience left him without continuous sleep for more than a week.