US sees surge in cyclospora infections, linked to lettuce and other produce

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 10,468 laboratory-confirmed cyclospora cases and 12,255 probable cases under investigation since May 1, affecting 47 states and resulting in 517 hospitalizations and two deaths, both in Michigan among patients with serious underlying conditions. The Food and Drug Administration is probing six separate outbreaks, the largest spanning 15 states and tied to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell. The fast-food chain has removed the implicated lettuce from its supply chain, and the supplier issued a voluntary recall of the product.

Experts say multiple, unrelated sources are likely contributing to the rise. Donald Schaffner, a food microbiology professor at Rutgers University, noted that “there may be multiple unrelated outbreaks going on at the same time.” University of Delaware professor Kali Kniel explained that cyclospora spreads through contaminated water or soil on fresh produce, and that person-to-person transmission is rare because the parasite requires one to two weeks to become infectious after being shed.

Michigan has reported the highest number of cases, with more than 12,000 infections and 193 hospitalizations. Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois and North Carolina also have several thousand cases each. Officials continue to assess whether lettuce or other items such as parsley and cilantro are driving infections in other regions.

The FDA advises consumers to avoid the recalled lettuce products and to inquire about lettuce sources when ordering at restaurants. Health authorities recommend thorough washing of produce, cooking to at least 158 °F, and good hand hygiene to reduce risk. Cyclospora infections can be treated with a specific antibiotic regimen, and patients experiencing severe diarrhea are urged to stay hydrated and seek medical care.