Lettuce Parasite Outbreak Spreads
US Health Officials Confirm Cyclospora Outbreak Involving Iceberg Lettuce in Twenty States
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US health officials have confirmed a cyclospora outbreak involving recalled iceberg lettuce in 20 states, the largest of its kind in the country. The Food and Drug Administration identified cases in three additional states—Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas—pushing the total number of people sickened to 11,458 FDA Source. The outbreak is tied to lettuce grown at a Taylor Farms operation in central Mexico.
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes severe intestinal illness. CDC reports there have been about 29,000 confirmed or suspected cyclosporiasis cases across the country. The FDA continues inspecting and testing produce at the Mexican farm alongside Mexican government officials FDA Source.
Outbreak Spreads Across Country in Days
The cyclospora outbreak grew rapidly this week. Just days ago, cases were reported in 17 states with roughly 10,900 people sickened News Sources. The addition of Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas brings the official count to 11,458 confirmed cases FDA Source. This makes it the nation's largest cyclospora outbreak on record.
Taylor Farms Lettuce Linked to Mexican Origin
The contaminated iceberg lettuce came from a Taylor Farms facility in central Mexico. Taylor Farms is a major supplier of produce to US supermarkets and restaurants News Sources. Health officials have issued recalls for the affected lettuce products. The farm remains under inspection by US and Mexican authorities to identify how the parasite contaminated the crops.
What Cyclospora Does to the Body
Cyclospora is a single-celled parasite that infects the intestines. It causes watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps within days of eating contaminated food CDC. Most cases resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, symptoms can be severe and last weeks or months without treatment.
FDA Continues Investigation With Mexico
The FDA is working directly with Mexican government officials to inspect the Taylor Farms facility FDA Source. Tests are being run on produce at the farm to find the source of contamination. Health officials urge consumers who bought recalled iceberg lettuce from the farm to throw it away. Anyone who ate the lettuce and feels sick should contact a doctor immediately.
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