Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Across US States

Health officials report the largest U.S. cyclospora outbreak on record, with more than 11,500 confirmed and suspected cases in 41 states. The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, causes explosive diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fatigue, and has led to about 98 hospitalizations with no deaths reported.

Investigations by the CDC and FDA have traced the largest cluster – nine Midwestern states – to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from central Mexico. The FDA has issued a voluntary recall of the lettuce and urged consumers to discard any product on the recall list. A second cluster of 72 cases remains without a confirmed source, and other isolated outbreaks are being examined.

Experts emphasize that the parasite is only found in human feces – “Humans are the source,” said former FDA food‑safety director Dr. Mark Moorman – and that thorough washing does not reliably remove it. Schools are temporarily removing fresh lettuce from menus, and public health advice includes cooking lettuce to at least 158 °F to kill the organism.

Consumers are urged to stay informed of alerts, avoid the recalled lettuce, and seek medical care if they develop prolonged watery diarrhea.