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4w ago

CDC Links Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak to Imported Iceberg Lettuce

Investigators warn that limits in laboratory testing and reporting delays mean confirmed case totals will likely grow.

A drone view shows Taylor Farms Mexico's facilities after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Monday that the basis for linking Taylor Farms lettuce from central Mexico to the largest U.S. foodborne illness outbreak in recent years remains unchanged, defending its decision to publicize a sample that a later review found was a false positive for the Cyclospora parasite, in Doctor Mora, Guanajuato state, Mexico, July 20, 2026. REUTERS/Demian Sanchez
Background of a colorful mix of different lettuce leafs.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's logo and a U.S. flag are seen in this illustration created on April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
The logo of Taylor Farms Mexico is seen at the company's facilities after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Monday that the basis for linking Taylor Farms lettuce from central Mexico to the largest U.S. foodborne illness outbreak in recent years remains unchanged, defending its decision to publicize a sample that a later review found was a false positive for the Cyclospora parasite, in Doctor Mora, Guanajuato state, Mexico, July 20, 2026. REUTERS/Demian Sanchez

Overview

  • Taylor Farms issued a recall on July 17 for iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico after traceback tied shredded lettuce served at some restaurants to a multistate cluster and the CDC confirmed the connection on July 21.
  • The CDC says there are 4,173 lab-confirmed domestically acquired cases since May 1 and more than 7,400 additional reported illnesses pending laboratory confirmation, with infections reported in 41 states.
  • Health officials report 308 hospitalizations among confirmed domestic cases and no deaths, and they note the true size of the outbreak may be larger because of testing backlogs and reporting lags.
  • The FDA advises consumers not to eat recalled products, to throw them away and to clean surfaces that contacted the lettuce, while clinicians are urged to test symptomatic patients and treat confirmed cyclosporiasis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
  • Investigators say Cyclospora’s slow 2–14 day incubation, the parasite’s poor detectability in labs and last year’s narrowing of CDC FoodNet surveillance have complicated rapid detection and traceback, increasing the chance of further recalls, supply disruptions, and more reported cases.