Outbreaks of infections from the Cyclospora parasite continue to ravage the country with more than 20,000 patients identified.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking at least two outbreaks, with one associated with Taco Bell restaurants that served iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. The CDC reports that the outbreak stretches across nine states and has infected at least 1,947 people.
The nine states involved in the outbreak are Kansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. Those states are among 41 where the CDC has identified 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis and more than 11,500 additional cases that are awaiting confirmation.
The CDC says there are likely several outbreaks included in the overall count. For Example, Michigan alone is reporting 10,077 patients as of July 29, which is up by 397 the day before. Ohio alone is reporting more than 2,500 patients.
“State data may include probable and confirmed cases, resulting in higher case counts than what CDC reports. CDC is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed,” according to an agency statement.
The outbreak associated with Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants began June 22 and the most recent patient was confirmed July 19, according to the CDC. The states may have confirmed more patients in the time since then.
Taylor Farms initiated a recall of its iceberg lettuce from the Central Mexico growing region on July 17. The outbreak had peak patient counts on June 24 and July 9, so the implicated lettuce was likely already consumed or past its expiration date by the time Taylor Farms launched the recall.
Taylor Farms has a history of being associated with outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. Following is a list of investigation documents dating back to 2009.
2026, Cyclospora, iceberg lettuce. FDA investigation page and the CDC investigation update.
2024, E. coli O157:H7, onions served at McDonald’s. CDC investigation update and the FDA outbreak investigation.
2021, E. coli O121:H19, romaine lettuce. The NORS report and the outbreak summary slides.
2015, E. coli O157:H7, Costco rotisserie chicken salad. CDC’s final update. Never officially attributed to a common source, though Taylor Farms recalled the celery and onion diced blend that went into the salad, and the FDA recall notice is no longer available online.
2013, Cyclospora, bagged salad mix. MMWR Notes from the Field, CDC’s 2013 outbreak investigation page, FDA’s environmental assessment, and the Nebraska and Iowa regional investigation.
2009, Salmonella Typhimurium, shredded lettuce. The Oregonian’s contemporaneous report, plus the traceback and the Oregon health alert — both of those still redacted, seventeen years later.
About Cyclospora
Anyone who has developed symptoms of Cyclospora infection, and has reason to believe they have been exposed to the parasite, should seek medical attention. Specific tests are required and antibiotics are used to fight the parasite.
Cyclospora infection can cause severe abdominal pain, severe watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and fatigue. Symptoms can develop between two and 14 days after exposure. Though symptoms can be severe enough to send people to the hospital, it’s rare for people to die from Cyclospora infections.
Symptoms can last for a month or more and can reoccur for several more months if not treated.
Cyclospora is a type of protozoa, which is a single-celled organism. It is transmitted when people somehow ingest contaminated feces, typically through contaminated food or water. It can be spread only through human waste, unlike E. coli and salmonella, which can also be spread from animal fecal matter.
Previous U.S. outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of fresh produce, including lettuce, basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and snow peas.
Food safety experts say there’s no evidence that washing the produce will remove the parasite because it becomes embedded in the flesh of the produce.
