Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Shredded Lettuce Expands to Four More States

Why it matters locally: California, a major agricultural producer and consumer of leafy greens, could see this cyclospora outbreak affect its food supply chain and public health if contaminated lettuce is distributed within the state. Consumers and food service industries are advised to monitor official health advisories.

---

Federal health officials on Friday announced they have linked cases of a diarrhea-causing parasite to shredded lettuce in an additional four states. This expansion increases the scope of the largest U.S. cyclospora outbreak. The parasite, *Cyclospora cayetanensis*, causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness. Individuals typically contract cyclospora by consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. The incubation period for the illness ranges from two to 14 days, with an average of one week. Previous reports connected cases of the parasite to shredded lettuce. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments collaborate to identify the source and extent of the outbreak. Health authorities continue their investigation into the exact source of the contaminated lettuce and its distribution network across the affected states. Officials advise healthcare providers to consider cyclosporiasis in patients presenting with prolonged diarrhea, especially if they have consumed leafy greens.