Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce Affects Nearly 2,000 People Across Multiple States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the number of laboratory-confirmed cyclospora cases in the United States has risen to 1,947, with infections reported in nine states and at least 98 hospitalizations. The parasite is linked to iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico and supplied by Taylor Farms.

Taylor Farms said it removed potentially contaminated lettuce from the market and issued a broader recall of all iceberg lettuce from the region as a precaution. The company also suspended sourcing and production of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. A spokesperson noted that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not confirmed positive test results for cyclospora in product samples.

The Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks reported that testing of lettuce and water samples found no evidence of the parasite. The FDA later clarified that a previously reported positive test was a false positive, but its investigation continues to focus on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms facilities.

Health officials estimate that more than 4,100 laboratory-confirmed cases and 7,400 suspected cases have occurred nationwide since May 1, and they expect the confirmed count to rise as reporting lags can extend up to six weeks. Dr. Ulysses Wu, chief epidemiologist for Hartford HealthCare, said, "I don't think we can say that this is under control yet. Even if this lettuce was implicated, it doesn't mean that other produce is not implicated as well."

The outbreak has prompted recalls by retailers, including Taco Bell, which removed the affected lettuce from its restaurants. Additional investigations are ongoing in North Carolina, where officials are examining over 560 cases that may be linked to parsley, cilantro and lettuce.