The CDC is investigating a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce, with more than 18,000 reported cases across 45 states. Michigan has recorded 11,234 cases and two deaths linked to the outbreak, though both victims had significant underlying health conditions. The FDA is focusing on iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms while health officials continue tracing the supply chain and urging anyone with severe or prolonged diarrhea to seek medical care.
Lettuce-Linked Cyclospora Outbreak Sickens 18,000+ Across 45 States; Two Deaths Reported In Michigan
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Public health authorities are continuing to grapple with a large outbreak of cyclosporiasis — an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis — that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says has led to more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases across 45 states.
Until recently officials had reported 423 hospitalizations nationwide and no deaths. On Monday, Michigan health officials confirmed two fatalities linked to the outbreak. Michigan's Health and Human Services stressed that both people who died had "significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration," indicating the infections likely contributed to, rather than solely caused, the deaths.
Symptoms, Treatment, and Risk
Cyclosporiasis typically causes frequent, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue and weight loss. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is the main immediate danger — particularly for young children, older adults and people with chronic medical conditions.
There is a specific and effective treatment: the antibiotic combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), a sulfonamide commonly prescribed for cyclosporiasis. Most otherwise healthy people recover within days to weeks, though severe cases can take a month or longer to resolve. Anyone with prolonged or severe symptoms, or signs of dehydration, should seek medical care.
Scope Of The Outbreak And Investigation
Michigan has been especially hard hit, reporting 11,234 cases and nearly 200 hospitalizations to date. State officials say case counts are showing signs of decline, but they caution it is too early to declare the outbreak over.
"We have growing confidence that the outbreak is declining," a Michigan health department spokeswoman told The New York Times.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has focused its investigation on iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms as a likely vehicle for contamination. Media reports have noted that Taylor Farms has made political donations and that questions have been raised about labor practices, including reported links to prison labor; investigators are tracing the supply chain to confirm where contamination occurred.
Some White House officials stated on July 21 that the outbreak was "under control," a claim that drew criticism after reported cases rose more than tenfold following that date. Public health teams continue source-tracing, sampling, and advising consumers and retailers on safe handling and recalls where appropriate.
What Consumers Should Know
- Wash hands thoroughly before preparing or eating food and follow any retailer or public-health recalls.
- Wash fresh produce under running water, but note that washing may not remove all contamination from leafy greens.
- If you develop severe or prolonged diarrhea, especially with fever or signs of dehydration, contact a healthcare provider and mention any recent salad or lettuce consumption.
Officials emphasize ongoing surveillance and laboratory testing to determine the outbreak's origin and to prevent further cases.
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