Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce spreads to 20 states, affecting over 11,400 people

Federal health agencies announced Thursday that cases of Cyclospora infection linked to recalled iceberg lettuce have been confirmed in 20 states, raising the total number of reported illnesses to 11,458. The Food and Drug Administration said its scientists identified three additional states—Georgia, Tennessee and Texas—since last week’s update.

The investigation continues to focus on lettuce grown at a farm in central Mexico operated by Taylor Farms, a major U.S. produce supplier. FDA staff are inspecting and testing produce at the farm in coordination with Mexican officials, and the agency said it remains confident that all recalled lettuce associated with this outbreak has been removed from the market.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes watery diarrhea and frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC noted that about 29,000 cases have been confirmed or suspected in the United States this year, resulting in 922 hospitalizations. Outbreaks typically peak in late spring and summer.

"Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements," the CDC explained.

The agency added that the parasite spreads through fecal contamination and that many infections are not linked to a specific food source.