FDA Says Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Recalled Iceberg Lettuce Has Reached 20 States, With 11,458 Illnesses and Two Deaths Reported in Michigan

Outbreak Grows

WASHINGTON, DC — Federal health officials say a cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has now been confirmed in 20 states, making it the largest outbreak of its kind in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday that three more states — Georgia, Tennessee and Texas — have joined the list of places with confirmed cyclosporiasis cases.

The FDA said the total number of people sickened has risen to 11,458, up from about 10,900 a week earlier. Two deaths have been linked to the outbreak, both in Michigan, where state health officials said the people had significant underlying health conditions.

What Investigators Found

The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health officials have focused their investigation on lettuce grown at a farm in central Mexico operated by Taylor Farms, a major U.S. produce supplier. The agency said it is still inspecting and testing produce at the farm with help from Mexican government officials.

According to the FDA, all recalled iceberg lettuce tied to this outbreak is believed to be off the market. CBS News reported that the FDA last inspected Taylor Farms de Mexico seven years ago before the outbreak began.

Why Cyclospora Matters

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause cyclosporiasis, an illness often marked by watery diarrhea and frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements, according to the CDC. The parasite thrives in warm conditions and spreads through fecal contamination.

The illness is less common than infections caused by salmonella or E. coli, and many cases are never connected to a specific food source. The CDC says outbreaks are most common in late spring and summer, when temperatures are higher and fresh produce is widely consumed.

What To Watch Next

The CDC said earlier this week that the United States has seen about 17,180 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases this year, including 922 hospitalizations. That is already far above the previous worst year on record, 2019, when about 4,700 illnesses were reported nationally.

Consumers can watch for updates from the FDA and CDC as the investigation continues. The agencies have not said the outbreak is over, and the FDA said it remains confident the recalled lettuce tied to this specific outbreak is no longer being sold.

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