Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce Expands to 20 States

U.S. health officials announced that cases of cyclosporiasis tied to recalled iceberg lettuce have been confirmed in 20 states. The outbreak, traced to lettuce grown at a central-Mexico farm operated by Taylor Farms, now accounts for 11,458 reported illnesses, up from roughly 10,900 the previous week. Illnesses began June 14 and continued through mid-August. The FDA says it remains confident that all recalled lettuce associated with this specific outbreak has been removed from U.S. markets.

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Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes watery, often explosive diarrhea. Outbreaks typically occur in late spring and summer, when the heat-loving organism thrives. In a typical year the United States records a few hundred to a thousand cases; the previous record year was 2019, with about 4,700 infections. The current event is the largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history.

US officials tie cyclospora outbreak involving iceberg lettuce to 3 more states

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that its staff are still on-site in Mexico, conducting field inspections and testing at the farm and processing facility in coordination with Mexican authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to track cases and has noted that the parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces.

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• States affected: 20 (including newly added Georgia, Tennessee, Texas)

US officials tie cyclospora outbreak involving iceberg lettuce to 3 more states

• People sickened: 11,458

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• Hospitalizations: at least 495

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• Deaths: 2 (both reported in Michigan)

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• Recall status: products have been withdrawn; best-by dates have passed.

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The FDA and CDC will maintain surveillance of new cases while Mexican officials continue inspections of the implicated farm. Consumers are advised to discard any recalled iceberg lettuce and to seek medical attention if they experience prolonged watery diarrhea. Ongoing monitoring will determine whether additional recalls or public-health advisories become necessary.

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