Delaware reports first case of cyclosporiasis amid nationwide outbreak
Health officials confirmed Delaware's first cyclosporiasis case, linking a broader U.S. outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, while the FDA investigates additional clusters.
Delaware health authorities confirmed the state’s first case of cyclosporiasis this week, adding to a growing number of infections across the United States. The Food and Drug Administration has associated the outbreak with shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, although the contaminated product may already have been consumed or removed from stores.
The CDC notes that cyclosporiasis, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically spreads through food or water contaminated with feces and can produce watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms usually appear about a week after exposure, but the incubation period can range from two days to two weeks.
Diagnosis requires stool testing, often with multiple samples, and treatment involves a ten-day course of the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. While most healthy individuals recover without medication, untreated cases may last from several days to over a month.
The FDA is also investigating a separate cluster of at least 72 cases whose source has not yet been identified. Public health officials continue to advise thorough washing of produce, removal of damaged portions, proper refrigeration of pre-cut items, and diligent handwashing to reduce infection risk.