U.S. Cyclospora Outbreak Expands, Tied to Shredded Lettuce at Taco Bell

Federal health officials have expanded the scope of the largest U.S. cyclospora outbreak, linking new cases to shredded lettuce in Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Initially connected to Taco Bell restaurants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had previously reported cases in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

The CDC, along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health officials, is tracing the lettuce supply and interviewing affected individuals about their recent food consumption. So far, 1,947 cases have been linked to lettuce served at Taco Bell, including 98 hospitalizations. Fortunately, no deaths have occurred.

The total number of cyclospora cases likely surpasses the reported figures, as not all instances are documented. The FDA remains focused on lettuce from Taylor Farms as a potential outbreak source. Recently, Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico. Nonetheless, Mexican health officials have reported no cyclospora detection in the lettuce or water at Taylor Farms’ plant.

On Thursday, the FDA announced an investigation into a new cyclospora outbreak affecting 72 individuals, though the products causing illness are yet to be identified.

Since May, the CDC has received reports of over 4,100 confirmed cases, investigating more than 7,400 probable cases across 41 states. Officials acknowledge the possibility of other brands, restaurants, or distribution channels being implicated as their investigation progresses.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that contaminates food through contact with human waste, often via contaminated water used in produce irrigation or washing. Infection leads to intestinal illness characterized by frequent, sometimes severe bowel movements.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, maintains full editorial control over its content.