Cyclospora Outbreak Expands Linked to Taylor Farms Lettuce

Michigan now reports 8,176 cyclosporiasis cases with about 160 hospitalizations, as the nationwide outbreak spreads to 41 states. The CDC and FDA investigations link the outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, with a voluntary recall and exposures spanning nine states, including Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. CDC data show more than 11,000 total cases nationwide and about 308 hospitalizations. Investigations also note earlier links between illnesses and Taco Bell patrons, while North Carolina clusters have been tied to cilantro and parsley in separate investigations. The FDA has disclosed that an initial positive test for Taylor Farms lettuce was later deemed a false positive, highlighting tracing challenges. New Hampshire reports 9 confirmed cases tied to lettuce served at Cheshire Medical Center, illustrating the outbreak’s reach beyond typical grocery channels and reinforcing ongoing recalls and health advisories.