US Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Widens to 20 States, FDA Says
US health agencies expand investigation into cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Mexican iceberg lettuce, now spanning 20 states with over 11,000 cases.
U.S. federal health authorities have expanded their investigation into a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, confirming cases in three additional states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday that Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas have been added to the list, bringing the total affected states to 20.
The outbreak, which has been traced to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants and supplied by Taylor Farms' operations in Mexico, has now sickened 11,458 people. Of those, 495 have required hospitalization. Michigan remains the hardest-hit state, reporting two deaths linked to the outbreak, both in individuals with significant underlying health conditions.
The FDA said it is continuing onsite inspections and sampling at iceberg lettuce farms and the processing facility in Mexico, working in coordination with Mexican officials. The agency expressed confidence that all recalled iceberg lettuce has been removed from the market and said it will keep collaborating with federal, state, and international partners as the investigation proceeds.
This outbreak is among the largest foodborne illness events in recent U.S. history and has raised concerns about consumer confidence in fresh produce. Cyclosporiasis can cause diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Michigan's health department has separately reported 14,510 cases linked to the outbreak, an increase of about 2% since its last update.