Home / Health / Thousands Ill as Cyclospora Outbreak Expands
Thousands Ill as Cyclospora Outbreak Expands
15 Aug
Summary
- Cyclosporiasis outbreak has infected thousands across 47 states.
- Recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms is a primary source.
- Walmart received the largest share of affected recalled lettuce.
A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection, has significantly expanded, affecting thousands of individuals across 47 states. Since May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has logged 13,895 laboratory-confirmed cases, with an additional 10,455 unconfirmed cases. This wave of illness has regrettably resulted in two reported deaths. Ohio and Michigan have reported the highest number of incidents.
The largest cluster of infections has been traced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recalled iceberg lettuce produced by Taylor Farms in Mexico. This outbreak, initially linked to 15 states, has now spread to include Maine and Massachusetts. At least 9,481 cases are confirmed as part of this lettuce-related outbreak.
While Taco Bell was initially named in the investigation, it received a small fraction of the recalled lettuce. Walmart, under its Marketside brand, was the primary recipient, obtaining nearly 46% of the recalled whole and shredded iceberg lettuce. Taylor Farms itself received the second-largest portion. Health officials are investigating other separate clusters of the illness, but their sources remain unidentified.
