Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce expands to 15 states

ATLANTA (CNN) — A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with six states added this week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More than 6,000 cases have been linked to the outbreak. Nearly 300 people have been hospitalized and two people have died, the CDC said.

The states currently listed include Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

What is cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by the parasite cyclospora. If left untreated, the infection can cause explosive diarrhea for weeks.

The outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, though health officials said other products may have caused illness in some locations. Health officials are urging the public to monitor recalls and alerts.

Taylor Farms issues recall

Taylor Farms has recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.

In a statement this week, the company said: “According to the FDA, there are no confirmed positive sample results for product testing for cyclospora as of August 5th, 2026. We are confident in our food and food safety systems.”

What experts say about prevention

Wade Syers, a food safety and security specialist with MSU Extension, said the growing case count reflects ongoing investigations.

“One of the reasons we’re seeing more of these is that investigations are undergoing so we’re getting the results back,” Syers said.

Syers also recommended basic hygiene steps, including washing hands and rinsing produce under cool running water.

However, Dr. Jorge Rodriguez, a board-certified internal medicine specialist and viral researcher, said rinsing alone is not enough to eliminate the parasite.

“Washing it is not going to get rid of cyclospora. You actually have to cook it,” Rodriguez said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet confirmed the cause of several clusters within the outbreak.