Cyclospora Outbreak Expands Across 17 States

WASHINGTON — U.S. health authorities are continuing to investigate a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to iceberg lettuce processed by Taylor Farms de Mexico.

The CDC's latest update, issued August 20, says the outbreak associated with the recalled lettuce has reached 10,930 illnesses reported from 17 states. Epidemiological and traceback data identified contaminated iceberg lettuce as the source of illnesses in the outbreak.

The recalled products were distributed to consumers, restaurants and retailers across multiple states. The CDC says the relevant best-by dates have passed, and the recalled products should no longer be available in stores or restaurants.

Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause intestinal illness, commonly producing prolonged diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

The scale of the outbreak makes food-safety controls, produce traceability and rapid identification of contaminated products a major healthcare concern across the United States.

The CDC and FDA continue working with state and local health authorities as investigators assess additional illnesses and possible exposure sources.