Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce Affects Multiple States

A significant outbreak of Cyclospora, tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, has infected at least 1,947 people across nine states. This outbreak ranks among the largest recorded in the U.S. Health officials anticipate a rise in confirmed case numbers due to delays in detection and confirmation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health officials, are investigating the outbreak. The federal agencies have traced the source to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, voluntarily recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico. Newsweek reached out to Taylor Farms for comments outside of regular business hours.

On July 17, a recall was initiated for all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico by Taylor Farms. The CDC advises against consuming the recalled lettuce and suggests disposing of or returning any purchased. Investigations continue into other Cyclospora outbreaks nationwide, unrelated to this case.

By July 24, officials identified 1,947 direct cases, including 98 hospitalizations without any deaths. States affected include Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Understanding Cyclospora

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite, causing an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis upon consumption of contaminated food or water. Fresh produce like leafy greens, herbs, and berries exposed to contaminated water or poor sanitation typically carries the parasite.

Unlike some intestinal infections, Cyclospora doesn’t spread directly from person to person, as the parasite requires maturation in the environment first.

Symptoms appear around a week after exposure, including frequent watery diarrhea, appetite loss, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and occasionally vomiting or low-grade fever. Healthy individuals can recover with antibiotic treatment, but untreated symptoms may persist, sometimes disappearing then reoccurring.

Largest Cyclospora Outbreaks Documented

This outbreak is among the largest of its kind in U.S. history. With the current confirmed cases at 1,947, since the cyclospora season starting May 1, the CDC has confirmed 4,173 domestic cases and is aware of over 7,400 potential cases needing further investigation.

Cyclospora was seldom recognized as a foodborne illness in North America until the mid-1990s. A major outbreak linked to Guatemalan raspberries affected 1,465 people across 20 states, D.C., and parts of Canada. The outbreak led to a temporary suspension of Guatemalan raspberry imports to North America and prompted the CDC to classify cyclosporiasis as reportable in 1999.

Another notable outbreak occurred in 2013 across several states, linked to multiple contaminated foods. Cases tied to restaurants in Iowa and Nebraska traced back to salad mixes from Mexico, while cilantro from Mexico linked to illnesses in Texas.

The largest outbreaks occurred later. In 2018, contaminated salad mixes served at McDonald’s and other produce from convenience stores resulted in 2,299 cases. The following year, fresh basil imported from Mexico was the source of 2,408 cases, marking the largest recorded U.S. outbreak.

Expected Increase in Cases

The CDC warns that reporting delays may cause further increases in confirmed case numbers. Determining involvement in the outbreak can take up to six weeks, suggesting additional confirmations even after the recalled lettuce’s removal from the market.

Only a fraction of overall Cyclospora infections are reported nationally, as unrelated outbreaks are also under investigation. Not all cases are documented due to recovery occurring without testing or medical attention.

According to the FDA, traceback investigations continue to highlight shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms growers in central Mexico. Consumers should continue avoiding products involved in the recall.

Taylor Farms’ Response

Taylor Farms prioritizes food safety and has taken steps since concerns arose regarding outbreak links. No product linked to the outbreak tested positive for Cyclospora. The company removed potentially implicated products from the market and expanded actions into a broader voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce from the affected region.

Production of iceberg lettuce in central Mexico has been suspended by Taylor Farms, pending a thorough review of safety practices. Independent experts have been commissioned for this evaluation. By July 18, production at the central Mexico facility was temporarily suspended for all products, not only iceberg lettuce.

As of July 24, the FDA reported no confirmed positive Cyclospora results from Taylor Farms’ product testing. The company expressed confidence in its food safety systems and commitment to transparency as more information becomes available.