At first, it was unclear whether the menu changes were related to the outbreak. However, The Washington Post has since reported that federal and state authorities are investigating whether the fast-food chain played any role in the spread of the parasite.
According to The Washington Post, more than 80 people have been hospitalized during the outbreak. No deaths have been reported at the time of writing.
Michigan has been hit particularly hard, with more than 3,000 reported cases, according to The Independent. The state typically sees only around 50 cases each year.
Became sick after eating Taco Bell
Additional cases have also been reported in Illinois, Virginia, Ohio, and New York.
An anonymous sources told The Washington Post that at least one hospitalized patient reported eating at Taco Bell before becoming sick. However, investigators have also interviewed people who developed the illness despite never eating at the chain.
Even if Taco Bell is ultimately found to have no connection to the outbreak, one source told the newspaper: “It’s good the chain has already voluntarily stopped serving a number of items.”
