Public Health Advisory Update

Federal health officials have escalated their response to a epidemiological crisis as a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce has now expanded to nine states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases has surged to 1,947, with at least 98 individuals requiring hospitalization. The gastrointestinal illness, caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, has been definitively traced to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms de Mexico. On July 17, 2026, the company initiated a comprehensive, voluntary recall of all affected products, which were distributed to consumers, restaurants, and retailers across at least 27 states.

"Epidemiologic and traceback data continue to show that iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico was contaminated with Cyclospora and has made people sick. Do not eat any recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce."

The newly added states to the outbreak cluster include Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, joining previously affected regions such as Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. Symptoms typically manifest approximately one week after ingestion and include severe watery diarrhea, profound fatigue, loss of appetite, and abdominal cramping. Without prophylactic medical intervention, symptoms can persist for a month or longer. Healthcare providers are urged to report all suspected cases to their local health departments to facilitate ongoing surveillance. The CDC continues to investigate other unrelated national clusters of cyclosporiasis, emphasizing that this alert pertains exclusively to cases epidemiologically linked to the recalled product.

Official Source Alternative: CDC Media Relations Release: Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce expanded to four new states