The 'explosive diarrhea' parasite hasn't struck Mass.

Key Points:

• A nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak has sickened thousands, though the source remains unidentified; Midwest cases may be linked to lettuce or salad greens, but no supplier has been confirmed.
• Taco Bell has temporarily removed certain ingredients at select locations as a precaution, but Boston-area restaurants continue to serve lettuce and cilantro.
• Massachusetts has reported a typical seasonal number of 18 cases between May 1 and July 1, with no unusual activity expected; local health officials encourage continued consumption of locally grown produce with proper safety measures.
• Social media users have reacted with humor and political commentary, including critiques related to CDC funding cuts and comparisons to popular memes.
• Health officials emphasize that real-time state-level detection systems are managing the outbreak response, and the next Massachusetts foodborne illness update is scheduled for August 1.