Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Lettuce Affects Thousands in the U.S.

Several states have reported a significant increase in new cases of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. This outbreak has sickened thousands of Americans since May 1, leading to hundreds of hospitalizations. As of July 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed receiving reports of 6,707 cases of domestically-acquired cyclosporiasis across 45 states. This marks an increase of over 2,500 cases since the agency’s last update on July 21.

The CDC reported 423 hospitalizations and highlighted more than 11,500 additional suspected cases that are pending confirmation or further investigation. Current updates from the CDC do not account for probable cases. State data may include both probable and confirmed cases, leading to higher overall tallies.

The largest outbreak source has been linked to shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms.

Federal health officials traced the primary outbreak to lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The FDA later announced that customers in Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania were also affected. On July 17, Taco Bell removed the implicated shredded iceberg lettuce from its U.S. locations. The same day, Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary recall of the lettuce grown in central Mexico, distributed to 27 states. Yet, there are indications that other brands and distribution channels might also be associated with the outbreak as investigations continue.

States Reporting Rising Cases

Michigan: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 10,773 cases with 193 hospitalizations. They noted 1,373 new cases since July 27.

Ohio: As of July 25, Ohio reported 4,013 cases, increasing from 2,576 cases on July 23, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch.

North Carolina: There have been 718 cases, including 24 hospitalizations, reported by July 27, with 157 new cases since July 21.

Missouri: Missouri recorded 593 cases as of July 26, which is more than double the 216 cases reported a week earlier, according to USA Today.

Florida: By July 25, Florida reported 254 cases, up from 158 cases on July 18.

Iowa: The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reported 226 confirmed cases since the start of the year, with 47 involving international travel. Fewer than ten new cases were reported in the week beginning July 26.

Virginia: Virginia reported 162 cases as of July 23, with 66 domestically acquired cases and 47 reported in the previous week.

Understanding Cyclospora

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that contaminates food through contact with human feces, typically via irrigation or washing with tainted water. When consumed, it leads to intestinal illnesses marked by frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements.

Unreported Cases

The CDC acknowledges that its data reflects only laboratory-confirmed cases identified through public health surveillance. Over 11,500 additional cases are yet to be confirmed or analyzed, with investigations ongoing to check for international travel exposure. The true number of infections could be higher, as some individuals recover without medical intervention and therefore go unreported.