Cyclospora Outbreak Sickens Over 4,100 in U.S. as FDA, Mexico Clash Over Lettuce Source

U.S. health officials have identified more than 4,100 cases of cyclosporiasis across the country, an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Tuesday that 308 patients have been hospitalized across 41 states, though no deaths have been recorded.

Symptoms typically emerge roughly one week after exposure to contaminated food or water, manifesting as persistent, watery diarrhea that can last for weeks without treatment. The CDC cautioned that an additional 7,400 suspected infections are under review, suggesting the final toll will likely climb. A significant number of cases have been traced to lettuce products.

On July 17, Taylor Farms initiated a recall of iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico and distributed to U.S. retailers and restaurants after federal investigators identified the company’s Mexican facilities as a probable source of the contamination.

Mexican Health Secretary David Kershenobich contested those findings Tuesday, stating that investigators have found no evidence linking the outbreak to the central state of Guanajuato, where the facilities are located.

“So far, no evidence has been found to indicate that it originated there,” Kershenobich said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued shifting assessments regarding the source. On Saturday, the agency announced a sample of Mexican lettuce from Taylor Farms had tested positive for the parasite, only to retract the result Sunday, labeling it a false positive after a data re-review. By Monday, the FDA stated its supply-chain investigation continues to point toward the company’s Mexican operations as the origin of the parasite.

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