The CDC and FDA say a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce has now reached 10,930 confirmed illnesses, 454 hospitalizations and two deaths across 17 states, according to the agencies' most recent update. The outbreak is one of the largest foodborne cyclospora events on record in the United States and comes amid a broader nationwide surge: more than 15,700 domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases have been reported since May 1, well above typical seasonal levels.
Investigators traced a significant share of the illnesses to processed iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, including lettuce served at Taco Bell locations and sold at retail outlets. The company recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17, and the FDA's outbreak investigation says the recalled product's best-by dates have since expired and it is no longer available in stores or restaurants. Confirmed cases span Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Symptoms and ongoing risk
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes watery diarrhea, fatigue, cramping and loss of appetite, with symptoms typically appearing about a week after infection but sometimes taking up to two weeks to emerge. Left untreated, the CDC notes that illness can persist for a month or longer, and the infection generally requires a course of antibiotics to clear rather than resolving on its own. Because symptoms can be mistaken for other stomach illnesses, health officials say cases are likely undercounted.
CDC and FDA investigators say they are still working to confirm the source of at least six other case clusters that have not yet been linked to the lettuce recall, suggesting the full scope of this year's outbreak season may not yet be settled. The agencies have not indicated additional recalls are imminent, but say they will continue monitoring wastewater and surveillance data, which as of late August showed elevated viral and case activity in several states, as the investigation continues.
Health officials are urging anyone with prolonged watery diarrhea to contact a healthcare provider, particularly people who consumed iceberg lettuce at fast-food or retail locations in the affected states since May. Testing is required to distinguish cyclosporiasis from more common gastrointestinal illnesses, and officials say prompt diagnosis allows for more effective antibiotic treatment.
