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Cyclosporiasis

All articles tagged with #cyclosporiasis

FDA Confirms Cyclospora at Mexican Lettuce Farm, Closing Record-Breaking Outbreak Investigation
health6 days ago

FDA Confirms Cyclospora at Mexican Lettuce Farm, Closing Record-Breaking Outbreak Investigation

The FDA has confirmed the presence of the cyclospora parasite at a Mexican farm linked to a massive U.S. foodborne illness outbreak, closing its investigation. The outbreak sickened nearly 13,000 people across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. While the agency found the parasite in wastewater and drainage areas, it remains unclear how the contamination reached the lettuce, and Taylor Farms has since removed the implicated grower from its supply chain.

FDA closes cyclospora probe, finds parasite in Mexican farm wastewater and drainage
health7 days ago

FDA closes cyclospora probe, finds parasite in Mexican farm wastewater and drainage

The FDA concluded its investigation into the largest US cyclosporiasis outbreak, confirming the parasite was present at the Taylor Farms facility in Guanajuato, Mexico. Inspectors found cyclospora in a wastewater tank and a drainage ditch, though the agency could not determine how the lettuce became contaminated. The outbreak sickened nearly 13,000 people across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. Taylor Farms blamed an independent grower no longer in its supplier program, while Mexico’s food safety authority previously reported no contamination at the site.

US Cyclospora Outbreak Declared Over After Lettuce Recall
health27 days ago

US Cyclospora Outbreak Declared Over After Lettuce Recall

The CDC has declared the largest US outbreak of the intestinal parasite cyclospora over, with more than 12,000 cases across 21 states and two deaths (in Michigan). The outbreak was linked to lettuce imported from central Mexico by Taylor Farms, prompting a voluntary recall and the removal of the supplier’s lettuce from menus (including Taco Bell). While deaths are uncommon and cases have significantly declined, investigators continue to probe the outbreak’s source.

Ohio Cyclospora Cases Decline as Lettuce-Linked Outbreak Persists
health29 days ago

Ohio Cyclospora Cases Decline as Lettuce-Linked Outbreak Persists

Ohio reported 70 new cyclosporiasis cases this week, a 75% drop from last week, bringing 2026 totals to 6,412 cases in 85 counties. Michigan and Ohio remain the hardest-hit states in a nationwide outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, with about 19,600 lab-confirmed cases across 49 states and DC through Sept. 8. The largest cluster is tied to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, accounting for more than 10,900 cases in 17 states. Health officials urge precautions and proper produce handling to prevent infection, whose symptoms include explosive diarrhea, loss of appetite, and cramps.

CDC declares end to record U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce
health29 days ago

CDC declares end to record U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce

The CDC says the largest U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak has ended, after sickening 12,833 people in 21 states in the recent cluster, part of a season totaling about 19,595 cases with two deaths in Michigan. Health officials linked the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, prompting a recall and restaurant changes (including Taco Bell) and fueling scrutiny of U.S. food-safety procedures and FDA funding.

Osterholm warns vaccine myths, outlines outbreak gaps, and urges pandemic prep
health1 month ago

Osterholm warns vaccine myths, outlines outbreak gaps, and urges pandemic prep

Renowned Minnesota epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm discusses how vaccine misinformation shapes policy, the Vaccine Integrity Project’s work to ensure safe, evidence-based vaccine recommendations and insurer coverage, and concerns about political interference; he also addresses the cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, notes gaps in preventing contamination, and urges bold investment in next‑generation vaccines and robust pandemic preparedness.

Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce expands to Georgia, Tennessee and Texas
health1 month ago

Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce expands to Georgia, Tennessee and Texas

The CDC says the lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak has grown with three new states—Georgia, Tennessee and Texas—joining the list, bringing confirmed illnesses to about 20 states (plus D.C.). The latest data show roughly 17,180 lab-confirmed cases and at least 11,841 probable cases as of Aug. 25, with nearly 500 hospitalizations and two deaths (Michigan and Ohio) reported; as the investigation continues, FDA recalls and tracing efforts focus on iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico, with thousands more cases likely to be identified as reporting lags close.

Iceberg Lettuce Correlated with Michigan Cyclospora Outbreak, New Study Finds
health1 month ago

Iceberg Lettuce Correlated with Michigan Cyclospora Outbreak, New Study Finds

A Michigan cyclosporiasis outbreak with 14,510 cases (as of Aug. 27) shows a correlation with iceberg lettuce and Taco Bell consumption, according to NEJM Evidence. Of 3,114 interviewed, 69.6% had eaten from a single restaurant chain; among 190 Taco Bell eaters, 170 (89.5%) reported iceberg lettuce items. While this signals a strong association, causality isn't established. The investigation suggests two illness peaks in late June and early July, possibly due to two contaminated produce batches; Taylor Fresh Foods recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. Public health officials issued early warnings and continue monitoring.

Cyclosporiasis outbreak wanes as recalled iceberg lettuce is pulled from shelves
health1 month ago

Cyclosporiasis outbreak wanes as recalled iceberg lettuce is pulled from shelves

Federal health officials say the iceberg lettuce linked to this summer’s cyclosporiasis outbreak has been recalled and is no longer on the market, and current iceberg lettuce is generally safe to eat as long as recalled products are avoided and standard food-safety practices are followed. The outbreak has reached about 11,458 illnesses in 20 states with 495 hospitalizations and 2 deaths; the investigation is ongoing and the end could come in a few weeks when no new cases are detected.

Diarrhea Demystified: Hydration, Cautions, and Care During a Cyclosporiasis Spike
health1 month ago

Diarrhea Demystified: Hydration, Cautions, and Care During a Cyclosporiasis Spike

US diarrhea cases are rising due to various causes, with about 17,000 cyclosporiasis infections linked to produce. Most diarrhea resolves in 3–4 days, but seek care if it lasts a week or more, or is accompanied by fever, blood or mucus in stool, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or signs of dehydration (low urine output, dizziness). Prioritize fluids and oral rehydration solutions to restore electrolytes; progressively reintroduce bland foods while avoiding fatty/spicy/high-fiber items and dairy if lactose-intolerant. For symptoms, bismuth subsalicylate and, under certain conditions, loperamide can help. Protect your skin with gentle cleansing and barrier creams; avoid probiotics. To prevent spread, wash hands thoroughly and stay home until symptoms resolve; seniors and people with kidney disease or weakened immunity should seek care earlier, and doctors may order tests for infections like cyclosporiasis based on risk.

Lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak expands to Georgia, Tennessee and Texas
health1 month ago

Lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak expands to Georgia, Tennessee and Texas

U.S. health officials confirm cyclospora cases linked to recalled iceberg lettuce have expanded to 20 states, with three new ones—Georgia, Tennessee and Texas—bringing the total sick to 11,458. The outbreak points to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico; recalls remain in effect and investigations continue. Officials note about 29,000 confirmed or suspected cyclospora cases this year and 922 hospitalizations, marking the largest U.S. outbreak of its kind since 2019.

Cyclospora outbreak nears 16,000 cases, driven by lettuce-linked cluster
health1 month ago

Cyclospora outbreak nears 16,000 cases, driven by lettuce-linked cluster

CDC reports 15,716 lab-confirmed cyclospora infections across 47 states and DC since May 1, with cases still rising but the weekly increase slowing. Two deaths and 828 hospitalizations have occurred, and about 11,841 suspected cases await confirmation due to a six-week reporting lag. The largest cluster is linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico, causing 9,481 cases and 398 hospitalizations across 17 states as of Aug. 13, while multiple other clusters remain under investigation.

Lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak chills salad sales, signaling a possible rebound ahead
health1 month ago

Lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak chills salad sales, signaling a possible rebound ahead

New Numerator data show a July cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce and salad greens caused more than 26 million U.S. households to cut salad purchases in the month ending July 26, with over 6.5 million pulling back on salad kits; recalls and supplier withdrawals (Marketside iceberg lettuce, Taylor Farms) accompanied a decline in overall salad spending and fast-food salad trips, though about 82% of those who paused purchases say they expect to return once the outbreak is contained, suggesting a potential rebound.

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Crashes Lettuce Prices, Sparks Political Scrutiny
health1 month ago

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Crashes Lettuce Prices, Sparks Political Scrutiny

A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to pre-packaged lettuce has produced over 24,000 cases across 47 states, driving a record 16% drop in lettuce prices and hurting restaurant traffic tied to Taylor Farms. FDA/CDC data show only small shares of recalled lettuce reached major chains (2.5% to Taco Bell, 3.4% to Subway), complicating narratives about sources. Sen. Elizabeth Warren criticized the White House for its handling and data transparency, highlighting broader concerns about the government’s public health response amid lobbying and political ties surrounding Taylor Farms.

Hawaii reports fifth cyclosporiasis case of 2026 amid ongoing outbreak checks
health1 month ago

Hawaii reports fifth cyclosporiasis case of 2026 amid ongoing outbreak checks

The Hawaii Department of Health confirms a fifth cyclosporiasis case in 2026, a military member who traveled internationally; it’s unclear where infection occurred and public risk remains low. Four cases are confirmed and one is probable, with no known connection between the fourth and fifth cases. A low-level Cyclospora signal was found in Hilo wastewater, but this does not prove local infection. Separately, a multistate outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico has prompted recalls; Hawaii reports no cases linked to the recall, and most illnesses began before the recall.