Cyclospora outbreak linked to Mexican lettuce causes thousands of US cases

U.S. health officials have confirmed more than 4,100 laboratory‑confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, across 41 states. The outbreak has been tied to iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico and supplied by Taylor Farms, prompting a nationwide recall of the product.

Mexico’s health ministry has denied that the Mexican lettuce is the source of the outbreak, stating that investigations have found no evidence linking the parasite to Mexican farms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to investigate, while the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services calls the situation “under control.”

State health departments report rising case numbers: Michigan has logged over 7,000 cases, Kansas 289 cases, Indiana 684 cases, and other states see similar spikes. The CDC has recorded more than 7,400 probable cases nationwide, with dozens of hospitalizations but no deaths reported.

Authorities advise consumers to wash hands and produce thoroughly, cook vegetables to at least 158 °F, and avoid unpasteurized or pre‑cut salads until the source is identified. The recall and ongoing investigations have sparked consumer concern and a temporary decline in lettuce sales at restaurants.