On Friday, President Donald Trump responded for the first time to questions about the cyclospora outbreak. Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy inquired about the situation during a press briefing. The outbreak has impacted at least 4,173 individuals, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with 308 hospitalizations. The CDC is still reviewing thousands more cases.
Investigations by federal officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico as a source of the outbreak. Health officials are examining other potential contaminated products linked to the parasitic illness, which causes severe gastrointestinal issues. Unraveling such outbreaks can be complex due to the delayed onset of symptoms after exposure.
The White House had previously claimed control over the outbreak, though President Trump had not made a public statement until now. During the press briefing, Doocy asked, “There’s this nasty parasite that’s giving people in nine states explosive diarrhea. When is it going to be safe to eat lettuce again?”
President Trump replied, “I don’t know, I haven’t thought about it. This is the first time I’ve been asked that question. Are you eating lettuce recently?” His comment prompted laughter, with him noting, “nobody wants to ask that question.” The situation remains under investigation.
This is an ongoing story. Updates will follow.
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