The parasite behind an outbreak that has now reached 6,358 illnesses does not behave like the bacteria most people have in mind when they rinse a head of lettuce, and that difference explains both why the contamination happened and why washing would not have prevented it.
Federal officials have linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, with 278 hospitalizations and two deaths, both in Michigan, according to the FDA. Illnesses began June 22, and the most recent onset was July 31. Cases have been reported in 15 states, and the investigation remains open.
