Map Shows 17 States Hit by Largest Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Lettuce
Summary
Seventeen U.S. states are affected by the largest outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite that causes diarrhea. The outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, particularly lettuce served at Taco Bell, with thousands of cases reported and several hospitalizations.Key Facts
- The outbreak has spread to 17 states, including two new ones: Maine and Massachusetts.
- The U.S. FDA and CDC have traced the source to shredded iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico by Taylor Farms.
- Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce in July and suspended all lettuce production from central Mexico.
- As of August, there were 9,481 confirmed infections and at least 398 hospitalizations related to the outbreak.
- Michigan has reported the first two deaths connected to this outbreak.
- Cyclospora is a parasite that causes intestinal illness after contaminated food is eaten, usually from exposure to fecal matter.
- Taco Bell removed the affected lettuce from its restaurants in July and stopped using it nationwide.
- There have been many more suspected but not laboratory-confirmed cases, particularly in Michigan, compared to last year.
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