Federal health agencies announced Thursday that the cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has expanded to 20 states, bringing the total number of confirmed illnesses to 11,458. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified three additional states—Georgia, Tennessee and Texas—where cases have been confirmed, raising the national toll from roughly 10,900 reported last week.
Investigation focus remains on Mexican farm
The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health officials continue to investigate lettuce grown at a central‑Mexico farm operated by Taylor Farms, a major U.S. produce supplier. FDA staff are conducting ongoing inspections and testing of produce at the farm in cooperation with Mexican authorities. The agency emphasized that it is “confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to this specific cyclospora outbreak is off the market.”
What is cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes watery diarrhea, often accompanied by frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements, according to the CDC. Outbreaks typically occur in late spring and summer, when the heat‑loving parasite thrives. The infection, known medically as cyclosporiasis, is less common than foodborne illnesses caused by salmonella or E. coli, and many cases are never linked to a specific food source.
Impact on hospitals and public health
To date, the CDC reports 922 hospitalizations related to the outbreak. Earlier this year, the agency estimated about 29,000 confirmed or suspected cyclospora cases nationwide. The 2019 outbreak, previously the worst on record, saw roughly 4,700 illnesses, making the current situation the most severe in recent memory.
Public‑health response
Health officials are urging consumers to check their refrigerators for any recalled iceberg lettuce and to discard it immediately. The FDA’s recall notice provides details on the specific product codes and packaging involved. While the agency remains confident that the recalled product is no longer on shelves, they continue to monitor the situation closely and will update the public as new information becomes available.
How to protect yourself
Experts recommend washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or handling raw produce. Cooking lettuce is not practical, so the safest approach is to avoid any product that matches the recall description. If you experience prolonged diarrhea, fever, or dehydration, seek medical attention promptly.
The outbreak underscores the importance of robust food‑safety protocols and international cooperation in protecting American consumers. As the investigation proceeds, federal and state agencies remain vigilant, working to prevent further spread of the parasite.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
