A Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has impacted 1,947 individuals across nine states, marking it as one of the significant parasite outbreaks in U.S. history. The current situation has not exceeded the 2019 record, yet health authorities anticipate more cases due to reporting delays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state health officials are on the case, tracing the source to central Mexico. Taylor Farms de Mexico has initiated a lettuce recall.
On July 17, Taylor Farms recalled the iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The CDC warns consumers not to eat this lettuce and advises discarding or returning it. The agency is also monitoring other unrelated Cyclospora outbreaks nationwide.
Current Impact and Response
As of July 24, the outbreak has led to at least 1,947 cases, with 98 hospitalizations reported. The affected states include Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Understanding Cyclospora
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite causing cyclosporiasis. It infects the small intestine through contaminated food or water, often in fresh produce like leafy greens, herbs, and berries. Unlike some other intestinal infections, it does not spread directly between people.
Symptoms appear about a week after exposure, including diarrhea, appetite loss, weight loss, and cramps. In more severe cases, nausea and fatigue occur, sometimes accompanied by vomiting or a mild fever. Untreated symptoms might persist or reappear over weeks or months. Antibiotics typically help recovery.
Largest Recorded Cyclospora Outbreaks
The outbreak under investigation has already joined the ranks of the most significant Cyclospora outbreaks in the U.S.
The current outbreak, associated with Taylor Farms, has confirmed 1,947 cases. The CDC notes 4,173 laboratory-confirmed cases nationally since the Cyclospora season began on May 1, with over 7,400 cases awaiting confirmation.
A History of Major Outbreaks
Before the mid-1990s, Cyclospora was not well recognized as a foodborne illness in North America. A widespread outbreak linked to Guatemalan raspberries led to 1,465 confirmed cases across 20 states and Canada. This outbreak prompted the CDC to mark cyclosporiasis as a nationally reportable disease in 1999.
Significant outbreaks continued, such as in 2013, when hundreds of cases were traced to Mexican salad mix and cilantro in different states.
The two largest outbreaks were in 2018 and 2019, linked to salad mixes at McDonald’s and fresh basil from Mexico, leading to 2,299 and 2,408 confirmed cases, respectively.
Why Additional Cases Are Expected
The CDC indicates current numbers don’t capture the outbreak’s full extent, as confirming infections can take up to six weeks post-diagnosis. Many cases in this outbreak investigation are among multiple ongoing investigations nationally.
The FDA’s investigation identifies shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms as the source. Consumers are advised to avoid recalled products.
Taylor Farms’ Actions and Response
Taylor Farms emphasizes its commitment to food safety, noting none of its products tested positive for Cyclospora. Products were removed from shelves promptly, and a broad recall followed.
Production and sourcing from central Mexico have been voluntarily suspended. Independent experts are reviewing the company’s food safety practices, with all production halted at the central Mexico facility as of July 18.
As of July 24, no positive tests for Cyclospora have been reported by the FDA for products involved. Taylor Farms assures a commitment to transparency and food safety as investigations continue.