Officials Declare End to Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Linked to Imported Lettuce

Why it matters locally: Given California's significant agricultural sector and large population, outbreaks linked to imported produce can pose a public health risk, underscoring the importance of food safety regulations and surveillance for consumers and industry alike.

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Health officials in the United States have declared the end of a cyclosporiasis outbreak. This outbreak represented the largest recorded incidence of the parasitic illness in the country. Investigators identified over 12,000 cases of cyclosporiasis during the outbreak period. Two individuals died as a result of the infection, officials confirmed. Epidemiologists linked the illnesses to the consumption of imported lettuce. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis*. Individuals typically contract the parasite by consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms often include severe diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue.