A widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak, potentially linked to iceberg lettuce, has now affected 23 states and sickened more than 11,458 people, federal health regulators announced Thursday. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas to the list of affected states.
The outbreak, which has resulted in hundreds of hospitalizations and at least two deaths since illnesses were first reported in July, is considered one of the largest foodborne illness events in recent U.S. history. Health authorities have traced the multistate outbreak to contaminated iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, primarily impacting Taco Bell restaurants.
Cyclospora is a single-celled parasite that can cause symptoms including stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss. Some infected individuals may remain asymptomatic. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms typically appear about a week after infection and can last from a few days to a month, with the possibility of symptoms subsiding and then returning.
Michigan has reported the highest number of illnesses and the two deaths associated with the outbreak. Health officials noted that both deceased individuals had significant underlying health conditions.
The outbreak has had a notable impact on consumer behavior and the food industry. Sales of leafy greens reportedly decreased by as much as 30% at the start of the outbreak, with overall vegetable sales falling approximately 16% to 17%, and fruit sales also declining. This shift has led some consumers to alter their shopping habits for fresh produce.
