CDC reports cyclosporiasis outbreak now linked to nine states
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the cyclosporiasis outbreak has been traced to nine states, with 1,947 confirmed cases and a likely source in shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday that the cyclosporiasis outbreak now includes cases in nine states, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to the previously identified Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and Michigan. The agency has confirmed 1,947 infections across these states.
"We’re getting more complete case data that covers the range of the outbreak," CDC deputy director Gwen Biggerstaff said, noting that state health officials are completing interviews and that the data are helping to clarify the outbreak’s scope.
The Food and Drug Administration identified shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico as the probable source and has overseen a voluntary recall of the product from U.S. markets. FDA deputy director Kari Irvin said the agency is monitoring CDC case counts to determine whether the recall has removed all contaminated lettuce.
Interviews with ill individuals revealed many had eaten at a national fast-food chain in June, prompting the chain to remove the lettuce from its menu before the recall. FDA investigators are also assessing whether other growers may have contributed to the spread.
Nationally, nearly 12,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported, with Michigan accounting for the largest share. The CDC has deployed staff to Ohio, which has reported 2,596 cases, to assist local investigations. Separate outbreaks in New York and North Carolina have been linked to other produce, such as parsley and cilantro, according to preliminary findings.