Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce Ended, Other Foodborne Outbreaks Investigated

Cyclospora Outbreak Involving Iceberg Lettuce Concludes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the conclusion of a widespread Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce. The outbreak affected 12,883 individuals in 21 states, hospitalizing 570 people and resulting in two fatalities.

The outbreak was traced to processed iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, who recalled all affected products sourced from central Mexico on July 17. The CDC reported that these products are no longer available in stores or restaurants, eliminating the risk of further infections from this source.

Overview of Cyclospora Cayetanensis Cases

Cyclospora cayetanensis, the parasite responsible for the outbreak, causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Since May 1, the CDC has documented 19,595 laboratory-confirmed cases in the U.S., affecting 49 states and Washington, D.C., with 1,043 hospitalizations and two deaths.

While the outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has concluded, investigations into the source of contamination continue. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is examining potential contamination points and mechanisms.

Tracing the Source of Contamination

The link between the outbreak and iceberg lettuce was established through patient interviews and supply-chain tracing. Initial investigations began with illnesses reported at Taco Bell restaurants by Michigan officials. They analyzed food histories of 190 individuals, finding that 90% consumed iceberg lettuce.

FDA investigators traced the lettuce supplied to these restaurants back to a single company. A lettuce sample initially reported as positive was later reclassified as a false positive, with no confirmed Cyclospora detection.

The precise point or mechanism of contamination remains unidentified, and direct person-to-person transmission of Cyclospora is considered unlikely.

Active Foodborne Outbreak Investigations

The FDA is also investigating other active foodborne outbreaks:

• Salmonella Bovismorbificans linked to broccoli sprouts: At least 22 infections across four states and two hospitalizations. A sample tested positive for the outbreak strain.
• Salmonella Newport, source unknown: 109 cases recorded, with traceback efforts ongoing.
• Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella Agona linked to sprouts: 55 cases in 15 states with four hospitalizations. Identified source includes alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts.
• Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:-, source unknown: 43 cases recorded, with traceback and sampling efforts initiated.
• Salmonella Javiana linked to jalapeño peppers: 431 cases across 32 states with 57 hospitalizations. Linked to peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico.
• Listeria monocytogenes, source unknown: Nine cases reported with ongoing traceback efforts.
• Salmonella Oranienburg, source unknown: 99 cases recorded, with active investigations.
• E. coli O145:H28 linked to frozen blueberries: 17 infections in Florida and Georgia with six hospitalizations. Recalled products include GreenWise frozen berries.

Consumers are advised to check their freezers for recalled berry products with 2028 best-by dates.

For further inquiries, contact Edward Pearcey at Newsweek.