CDC declares end to record-setting Cyclospora outbreak

U.S. health officials, including the CDC and FDA, have declared an end to the largest Cyclospora-related food poisoning outbreak in the country's history. The outbreak, which affected 21 states, was primarily linked to imported iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico.

Nearly 13,000 reported cases were tied to this specific multistate event, contributing to a massive surge in cyclosporiasis cases nationwide. Since May 1, the government has received reports of nearly 20,000 lab-confirmed cases, representing more than 16 times the number reported during the same period last year. Michigan was identified as the hardest-hit state, recording the highest number of cases and the two deaths associated with the outbreak. Additionally, 570 individuals were hospitalized.

While officials are confident that the recalled lettuce is no longer on the market, investigations into the exact contamination source continue. Experts note that the parasite is typically spread through contaminated water or soil, though the specific mechanism that allowed sewage to contaminate enough produce to cause such a large-scale event remains under investigation.