Cyclosporiasis outbreak in US linked to Mexican iceberg lettuce

The United States is experiencing its largest recorded surge of cyclosporiasis, with the CDC reporting 15,716 laboratory-confirmed cases across 47 states as of August 17. The outbreak has resulted in 828 hospitalizations and two deaths, with Michigan identified as the epicenter, reporting approximately 13,900 cases.

Health officials have linked a major portion of the outbreak to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico. In response to the investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the company voluntarily removed affected lettuce from the U.S. market in July. While initial investigations focused on infections among people eating at Taco Bell, the scope has expanded to a broader multistate outbreak involving various distribution channels.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Symptoms, which typically appear one to two weeks after exposure, include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, and weight loss. Because the parasite cannot be killed by routine water rinsing, experts advise scrubbing produce with a brush or heating food to at least 158°F to inactivate it. Officials are currently investigating over 11,000 additional possible cases.