- More than 1,400 people have been infected by a parasitic stomach illness known as Cyclosporiasis across the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- 308 individuals with Cyclosporiasis have been hospitalized across 41 states, with no reported deaths so far.
- Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically appear about a week after exposure to the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, often from contaminated food or water, and include frequent diarrhoea lasting for weeks.
- 7,400 suspected cases are currently under review, indicating that the total number of infections is likely to rise.
- Many of the cases have been linked to lettuce produce.
- Taylor Farms issued a recall for iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico after US investigators identified Mexican facilities as a likely source of the outbreak.
- However, Mexican Secretary of Health David Kershenobich disputed these findings, stating there was no evidence the outbreak originated in Guanajuato.
- The US Food and Drug Administration has provided conflicting information regarding the source of the outbreak, initially reporting a positive test for the parasite in Mexican lettuce, which was later deemed a false positive.
- Despite the conflicting reports, the FDA continues to investigate the supply chain, which points to Mexican facilities as the source of the parasite.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that more than 4,100 people have been infected by a cyclosporiasis outbreak, with 308 hospitalizations across 41 states. The CDC cautioned that 7,400 suspected cases are under review, indicating the total may rise.34
The outbreak has been primarily linked to contaminated lettuce. On July 17, US firm Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico after investigations suggested Mexican facilities as a potential source. However, Mexican Secretary of Health David Kershenobich disputed these findings, stating, “So far, no evidence has been found to indicate that it originated there.”6710
The FDA has provided conflicting information regarding the outbreak's source. Initially, a sample of Mexican lettuce tested positive for the parasite, but this was later deemed a false positive. Despite this, the FDA continues to investigate the supply chain, focusing on Taylor Farms' Mexican operations.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically appear about a week after exposure to the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, leading to frequent diarrhea that can last for weeks. As the investigation unfolds, health officials urge consumers to remain vigilant about food safety.
“The CDC reported 308 hospitalizations across 41 states and said 7,400 suspected cases are under review, with the total likely to rise. The outbreak has been linked to lettuce from Taylor Farms, though Mexican officials dispute the source and the FDA issued conflicting test results.”
