The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce has spread to nine states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that a cyclosporiasis outbreak has expanded to nine states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The intestinal illness, caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, is linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms sourced in central Mexico. While the CDC has confirmed over 4,100 laboratory cases since May, officials note the true number of infections is likely higher because many people recover without seeking medical testing. Michigan remains the hardest-hit state, with over 8,100 reported cases. The Food and Drug Administration initially identified a specific lettuce sample as a positive match but later corrected the finding as a false positive. Despite this, the administration announced that the ongoing investigation remains active. Experts note that tracking the parasite is a "marathon" process due to a long incubation period, which makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact source of infection quickly compared to other foodborne illnesses.