US health officials track largest cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce
Nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been identified this season, with a multistate outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, prompting recalls and restaurant removals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded almost 7,000 domestic cases of cyclosporiasis this season, including 1,645 confirmed infections. Health officials say a multistate cluster centered in the Midwest is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, which was served at some Taco Bell locations.
"We do have the outbreak under control," said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., referencing the recent lettuce recall.
Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia have reported the highest numbers, with Michigan alone noting more than 6,500 cases. The CDC cautions that the true tally is likely higher and may extend beyond the identified states. Overall, 34 states have reported at least one domestically acquired case this season.
The FDA and state health agencies are investigating two ongoing subclusters, while Taylor Farms has recalled iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states and removed the product from Taco Bell’s supply chain. Other retailers, including Walmart and Jack in the Box, received some of the recalled lettuce.
Symptoms of cyclospora infection, which can appear up to two weeks after exposure, include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fatigue; at least 94 hospitalizations have been reported but no deaths.
The current outbreak appears to be the largest cyclospora event on record, surpassing the 2023 raspberry-linked outbreak of about 1,500 cases, and may become the biggest foodborne illness outbreak tracked in the United States.