The multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis has expanded to 15 states, with cases linked to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms. Six additional states have been added since the last update: Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a total of 6,358 illnesses have been reported across the affected states. Officials anticipate this number may rise, as it can take up to six weeks for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments to confirm if a sick individual is part of the outbreak. The FDA noted that the actual number of infections is likely higher than reported and the outbreak may extend beyond the states with identified cases.
Two deaths have been reported in Michigan, associated with the outbreak. Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions. Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall for all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and is advising consumers to discard or return any purchased iceberg lettuce.
Taco Bell confirmed last month that it has stopped using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico in its restaurants.
Separately, the CDC is investigating other cyclosporiasis outbreaks and illnesses nationwide that are not connected to this specific outbreak. As of Tuesday, there are at least 10,468 laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases reported in 47 states, resulting in 517 hospitalizations. The CDC is also aware of an additional 12,255 cases that have not yet been laboratory-confirmed, with a significant number of these reported by Michigan.