Cyclospora Cases Linked to Lettuce in 15 States

Health officials in the United States have connected cases of a parasitic disease to lettuce in 15 states. This year, cases of cyclospora have been reported in at least 47 states. Investigators are exploring how many of these cases come from a common contaminated source.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the outbreak’s reach has expanded from nine to 15 states. Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina are now included with Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Initially, investigations focused on lettuce served at Taco Bell. Federal officials have since identified Taylor Farms as the source of the lettuce involved in the outbreak. The company has recalled iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico.

Investigating and containing cyclospora outbreaks can be difficult for several reasons,” said Dr. Juan Luis Marquez, medical director of the health departments in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties in Michigan.

Dr. Marquez, a public health professor at the University of Michigan, stated that weeks may pass between exposure and symptom onset. Identifying the parasite in laboratories is challenging. Interviewing all individuals affected to pinpoint common exposures requires significant effort.

“Public health staffing has been reduced at federal, local, and state levels, leading to fewer resources and capabilities,” Marquez noted in a statement.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite often causing diarrhea with frequent, sometimes severe bowel movements, according to the CDC. Outbreaks are more common in late spring and summer. This heat-loving parasite infects intestines and spreads through feces. Cyclosporiasis is less frequent than foodborne illnesses caused by other germs like salmonella and E. coli.

Many cyclosporiasis cases are never linked to a specific food or source. The worst year in the United States was 2019, with about 4,700 reported cases nationally. This year has far exceeded that number, with just Michigan reporting over 12,000 cases, including two deaths. The total national case count surpasses 25,000.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is monitoring five cyclospora outbreaks. The current one affecting 15 states is the largest. No single product has been linked to the other outbreaks, one of which sickened 115 people.

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