Multi-State Cyclospora Outbreak Declared Over, Taylor Farms Lettuce Under Investigation

The multi-state Cyclospora outbreak, which sickened thousands across 21 states, officially concluded last Friday, September 11, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite the declaration, the FDA continues its investigation into the infections, focusing on Taylor Farms de Mexico lettuce as a presumed source.

This outbreak resulted in 12,883 confirmed illnesses, with 570 hospitalizations and two deaths reported across the affected states. These states included Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The FDA confirmed that all recalled iceberg lettuce is off the market. This recalled produce was distributed in 37 states and Washington, D.C., either confirmed or presumed by the FDA. Florida was among the states where the recalled lettuce was distributed, alongside Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Additional cases in the outbreak included individuals who reported eating at Taco Bell or consuming lettuce from other locations. The ongoing investigation aims to pinpoint the exact source and prevent future occurrences of Cyclospora infections.

Residents can protect themselves from foodborne illnesses like Cyclospora by thoroughly washing all produce, cooking food to proper temperatures, and practicing good hand hygiene. The FDA will likely release further findings as its investigation progresses.