The CDC reports more than 24,000 cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S., including 13,895 laboratory-confirmed infections and 740 hospitalizations. About 10,455 additional suspected cases await confirmation, and a roughly six-week reporting lag means totals will likely grow. Investigators link a major cluster to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico—now tied to at least 6,358 illnesses across 15 states—and Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall.
CDC: More Than 24,000 Cyclosporiasis Cases Reported in U.S.; New Infections Appear To Be Slowing
CDC - PHOTO: Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.
More than 24,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have now been reported in the United States, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Health officials say the rate of newly reported infections appears to be slowing, but reporting delays mean totals will likely continue to climb.
Current Case Counts and Hospitalizations
The CDC lists 13,895 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 740 hospitalizations. In addition, health authorities are tracking 10,455 suspected cases that have not yet been laboratory-confirmed. The ages of those affected range from 1 to 98 years.
Reporting Lag and What It Means
Public health officials note there is roughly a six-week lag between when someone becomes ill and when their case is reported to the CDC. That delay means official totals tend to rise as older, delayed reports are added to the dataset.
Outbreak Linked To Iceberg Lettuce
Investigators have linked a large portion of the surge to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms. That lettuce has been tied to an outbreak spanning at least 15 states, with 6,358 illnesses and 278 hospitalizations associated with the lettuce-linked cluster. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the true number of ill people is likely higher than current counts and that the outbreak may extend beyond states with confirmed reports.
Locations, Distribution, And Recall
Illnesses were initially linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell across nine states, but tracing showed the same lettuce had been distributed more widely to restaurants, food-service providers and retailers. Last month, Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
Severe Outcomes
Two deaths have been reported in Michigan in connection with the outbreak; state officials said both decedents had significant underlying medical conditions. State health departments continue to investigate and notify potentially affected consumers and businesses.
What To Do: If you experience prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea or fatigue after eating salad or other fresh produce, contact your healthcare provider. Cyclosporiasis is diagnosed with laboratory testing and treated with specific antibiotics.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and urge consumers and food-service operators to follow recall notices and food-safety guidance.
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