The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms a massive multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak has expanded to nine states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Friday that a significant multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis has expanded to nine states. The infection, caused by the cyclospora parasite, has now been linked across Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Michigan. Health officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms de Mexico as the likely cause of the primary cluster. The company has voluntarily recalled the product from the U.S. market. While Michigan has reported the highest number of infections, the outbreak is considered one of the largest foodborne illness events in the U.S. in three decades. Separate investigations are ongoing for other clusters. In North Carolina, officials believe parsley and cilantro may be linked to rising cases, though these are not necessarily part of the main lettuce outbreak. The Food and Drug Administration is currently investigating six different outbreaks of the parasite, with several sources still being identified. Experts recommend cooking fresh produce or washing it thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection.

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