15 states now linked to iceberg lettuce cyclospora outbreak, CDC says

U.S. health officials have linked parasitic illness cases to iceberg lettuce in 15 states, an increase from nine states previously identified. Cyclospora cases have been reported in at least 47 states this year, with the total national count exceeding 25,000, surpassing previous outbreaks. Investigators initially focused on lettuce served at Taco Bell and are now concentrating on Taylor Farms as the source, leading to a recall of iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico. Cyclosporiasis, caused by a microscopic parasite, typically results in watery diarrhea and is harder to investigate due to delayed symptom onset and laboratory challenges. This outbreak is the largest of five separate ongoing cyclospora outbreaks being tracked by the FDA.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reportedly expanded a cyclosporiasis outbreak investigation to 15 states, adding six new states: Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. This outbreak, the largest known, has resulted in 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases and approximately 11,500 suspected cases across 45 states since May. Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness caused by a parasite, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and fatigue, and is spread through contaminated food or water. The Food and Drug Administration has identified iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico as the source of one outbreak, leading to a voluntary recall. Michigan has reported the first two US deaths linked to the disease.

Two individuals in Michigan have died from cyclosporiasis, marking the first fatalities in a large U.S. outbreak of the intestinal illness. Both deceased had significant underlying health conditions. The outbreak, which has expanded to nine states, has been linked by the FDA to iceberg lettuce from Mexico, though investigations continue for other potential sources. Michigan has reported over 11,000 outbreak-linked cases and 193 hospitalizations. Nationwide, the CDC has recorded over 6,700 laboratory-confirmed cases. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include severe diarrhea and nausea.

Michigan health officials announced Monday that two individuals have died from a cyclospora outbreak, marking the first U.S. deaths linked to the parasite. Both deceased individuals had pre-existing health conditions that may have been exacerbated by the intestinal illness and dehydration. Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite causing watery diarrhea, is rarely fatal according to the CDC. The current widespread outbreak has seen over 4,100 confirmed cases and more than 7,400 likely cases reported across 41 states since May 1st. Lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in nine states has been identified as a source for a significant portion of these cases.

Michigan authorities have confirmed the first two deaths in the United States linked to a cyclospora outbreak. Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions and suffered from intestinal illness and dehydration. The microscopic parasite cyclospora causes cyclosporiasis, an illness rarely fatal according to the CDC, characterized by severe diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. Federal authorities have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell in five states as a source of the outbreak, though investigations for additional sources are ongoing. As of July 28, the CDC has recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide.