Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce Declared Over

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the end of a multistate Cyclospora outbreak that impacted 12,883 individuals across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. The source was traced to processed iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which led to a product recall on July 17. As of the CDC’s final update on September 11, there is no ongoing risk from this outbreak.

Understanding Cyclospora Cayetanensis

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite responsible for the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis. The CDC documented a significant increase in cases since May, with 19,595 confirmed cases reported nationally, causing 1,043 hospitalizations and two fatalities. While iceberg lettuce contamination was confirmed in this outbreak, the exact cause remains under investigation.

Investigation Details

Investigative efforts involved tracing the supply chain of lettuce used by Taco Bell restaurants. Michigan officials identified iceberg lettuce as a common ingredient among affected individuals. Although initial testing hinted at contamination, it was later deemed a false positive. No confirmed positive samples were found, leaving the exact contamination mechanism unclear. The parasite can spread through food or water contaminated with human feces, typically becoming infectious one to two weeks outside the body.

Other Foodborne Outbreaks Under Investigation

Alongside Cyclospora, the FDA is examining eight other outbreaks involving various pathogens:

• Salmonella Bovismorbificans: Linked to broccoli sprouts, impacting 22 individuals across four states. Evergreen Fresh Sprouts recalled the products after contamination was identified.
• Salmonella Newport: Involving 109 cases with an unidentified source.
• Shiga toxin-producing E. coli & Salmonella Agona: Associated with alfalfa sprouts, affecting 55 individuals across 15 states.
• Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:-: Recorded 43 cases, with inspections ongoing.
• Salmonella Javiana: Linked to jalapeño peppers from Mexico, affecting 431 individuals in 32 states.
• Listeria monocytogenes: Nine cases reported with an unidentified source.
• Salmonella Oranienburg: Involving 99 cases, source investigation underway.
• E. coli O145:H28: Connected to frozen blueberries, affecting 17 individuals in Florida and Georgia.

Consumers are urged to check their freezers for recalled frozen berry products marked with 2028 best-by dates.

For further information, contact Newsweek editor Edward Pearcey.