Health
U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce slows following peak
Federal and state data show new infections are declining after contaminated iceberg lettuce prompted widespread recalls, hospitalizations, and warnings.
The short version
- A major nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce is showing signs of slowing down after peaking in July.
- Federal health officials have recorded over 15,000 lab-confirmed cases, hundreds of hospitalizations, and two fatalities since May.
- The FDA stated that contaminated lettuce is off the market, prompting some state authorities to lift broad advisories against eating bagged salad mixes.
- Health agencies caution that actual total case numbers remain uncertain due to typical reporting delays and unconfirmed mild infections.
Key facts
- The CDC recorded over 15,000 laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases, 828 hospitalizations, and two deaths between May and August 18.[Scientific American]
- The outbreak was traced to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which was distributed to grocery stores and Taco Bell locations before being recalled.[Scientific American]
- The FDA stated that it is confident all recalled iceberg lettuce connected to this specific outbreak has been removed from the market.[Scientific American]
- Michigan health officials ended their precautionary advisory against eating bagged salad mixes, advising residents they could resume normal food preparation practices.[Scientific American]
What remains uncertain
- The full extent of the outbreak remains unverified due to a roughly six-week reporting lag in federal data, divergent state tracking methods, and untested asymptomatic or mild cases.[Scientific American]
Sources
- Is lettuce safe to eat yet? New data suggest cyclosporiasis cases are slowingScientific American metered