A Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico has expanded into four additional states, bringing the total number of affected states to nine, according to information confirmed Friday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The newly affected states are Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. They join Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, where cases were previously identified.
The outbreak is tied to iceberg lettuce processed by Taylor Farms. The company has voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from its central Mexico supplier. Taylor Farms supplies produce to major grocery chains, including Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods, as well as fast-food chains like Taco Bell.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite transmitted through food or water contaminated with fecal matter. It causes cyclosporiasis, an infection that affects the digestive system and causes severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Some cases require hospitalization. Because symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear after exposure, public health officials face challenges in tracking the source and extent of infections.
Federal public health records show thousands of cases reported nationwide this year, a significant increase over the typical annual range of 200 to 1,000 cases.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4,173 lab-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported since May 1. The agency is evaluating more than 7,400 additional cases to confirm whether they are tied to the same parasite. Of those totals, the CDC has confirmed 1,947 cases specifically linked to the recalled iceberg lettuce between June 22 and July 20.
State health agencies report higher totals within their jurisdictions. On Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 7,664 confirmed cases in the state alone.
The Food and Drug Administration is also conducting a separate, parallel investigation into a distinct Cyclospora outbreak linked to an unidentified product.
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