CDC Declares Largest Recorded Cyclospora Outbreak Over

Federal health officials have declared the largest recorded U.S. cyclospora outbreak over, saying recalled iceberg lettuce linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico is no longer available and poses no ongoing risk from that source. Nearly 13,000 illnesses across 21 states were tied to the lettuce, while 19,595 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported nationwide in 49 states and Washington, D.C., between May 1 and Sept. 8. The outbreak caused hundreds of hospitalizations and two deaths in Michigan, with thousands of additional suspected cases remaining unconfirmed. Infections peaked at more than 1,000 per day in July before dropping sharply after the recall of lettuce sold through restaurants and retailers, including Taco Bell and Walmart. The FDA continues investigating how the produce was contaminated and is examining other cyclospora clusters; officials said contaminated food may have encountered sewage-tainted soil or water.