The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated on July 24 its food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis infections linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. Four new states—Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania—have reported cases since the last update on July 18, bringing the total number of affected states to nine.
According to the CDC, there are now 1,947 laboratory-confirmed cases associated with this outbreak. Illnesses have been reported in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. At least 98 people have been hospitalized due to their infections. No deaths have been reported at this time.
Epidemiologic and traceback data continue to indicate that contaminated iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico is responsible for making people sick. The CDC clarified that this alert only covers illnesses confirmed by laboratory testing and directly linked to the recalled product; other cyclosporiasis illnesses being reported nationally are not included in these numbers.
The CDC advises consumers not to eat any recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce. People should throw away or return any remaining product they may have purchased. Individuals experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis—including watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, or weight loss—are urged to contact their healthcare provider for care and request testing for Cyclospora if necessary.
Symptoms usually begin about one week after infection and can last from a few days up to a month or longer without treatment. Some individuals may not experience symptoms but are still advised to stay well hydrated if they do become ill.