Washington, D.C. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded the largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, adding six states where illnesses have been traced to shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, according to three individuals familiar with the investigation.
The six newly added states are Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina. The additions bring the tally of affected states to 15. The CDC plans to set up a formal response team this week to contend with the outbreak, according to a CDC official familiar with the investigation.
On Monday, health officials in Michigan reported the first two deaths associated with the outbreak. The two people who died had significant underlying health issues, according to an update posted to the Michigan Health Department's website. Although cyclosporiasis is not typically fatal, it causes severe diarrhea — infants, older adults and those who are pregnant or immunocompromised are the most vulnerable.
Key developments:
- Expansion: Outbreak now spans 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina
- First deaths: Michigan reports first two US deaths linked to cyclosporiasis
- Case count: 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases; approximately 11,500 suspected cases awaiting confirmation
- Hardest hit: Michigan reports 11,234 outbreak-linked cases
- Source identified: FDA traced one outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico
- Recall: Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled lettuce in 27 states and grocery stores in 15 states
- Symptoms: Diarrhea, appetite loss, bloating, fatigue, fever, cramps, nausea, vomiting
- CDC warning: Do not eat recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce; contact healthcare provider if symptoms appear
A spokesperson from Arkansas's health department confirmed the outbreak expansion to the Guardian, saying in a statement: "Arkansas is one of the states the CDC is adding to the multi-state outbreak for cyclosporiasis."
As of 28 July, the CDC had recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, along with approximately 11,500 suspected cases awaiting confirmation. Cases have been reported in 45 states since May, although most of the suspected cases have been concentrated in Michigan and Ohio.
The disease is a form of food poisoning originating from Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite that causes symptoms including diarrhea, appetite loss, bloating, extreme fatigue, low-grade fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Cyclosporiasis spreads through the fecal-oral route, most commonly by consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms typically begin about a week after infection, and without treatment can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer, according to the CDC. Those with symptoms are advised to stay well hydrated.
Source of the Outbreak
Although the Food and Drug Administration is still investigating six cyclosporiasis outbreaks, it has identified iceberg lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico as the source of one outbreak. In response, Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled lettuce distributed to restaurants in 27 states and grocery stores in 15 states.
On 24 July, the CDC announced that the outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce had expanded to four additional states – Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. As of that date, illnesses associated with the outbreak had been reported in nine states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Epidemiologic and traceback data continue to show that iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico was contaminated with Cyclospora and has made people sick. FDA's traceback investigation has identified convergence on a single supplier, Taylor Farms de Mexico, that provided shredded iceberg lettuce used by the Taco Bell locations where sick people ate before becoming ill.
Michigan's Response
Michigan – the state hardest hit by the outbreak, with health officials reporting 11,234 outbreak-linked cases – on Monday reported the first two US deaths linked to the disease since the outbreak began. The two people who died had significant underlying health issues.
Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services has been conducting extensive interviews to trace the source of the outbreak and has urged residents to be cautious about lettuce consumption.
CDC Guidance
The CDC has warned the public to not eat recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce, and to contact healthcare providers if cyclosporiasis symptoms are experienced.
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the FDA are continuing to collect different types of data to investigate the multistate outbreak. The agency recommends people not eat any shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
🦠 The Big Picture
The largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak in US history has expanded to 15 states, with the CDC adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina to the list of affected states. The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which has issued a voluntary recall. With 6,707 confirmed cases, approximately 11,500 suspected cases, and the first two deaths now reported in Michigan, health officials are ramping up their response. The CDC is planning to set up a formal response team this week as the nation grapples with one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent memory.
What's Next
Key developments to watch:
- CDC response team: Agency plans to establish formal response team this week
- Ongoing investigation: FDA investigating six cyclosporiasis outbreaks
- Expansion: More states may be added as investigation continues
- Case confirmation: Approximately 11,500 suspected cases awaiting confirmation
- Public health guidance: Further updates on food safety recommendations
🦠 For more breaking health news and updates: Visit NewsOrbit – World Breaking News for the latest headlines from around the globe.
