A Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine U.S. states, according to updated data from federal health authorities. Investigators believe many of the reported illnesses are associated with imported lettuce from central Mexico.
The growing outbreak has become the largest known U.S. cluster of cyclosporiasis this year, prompting health officials to continue tracing the source and advising consumers to seek medical care if symptoms develop after eating potentially contaminated food.
More states report infections
Health officials said the outbreak was initially reported in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
The latest update adds Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, bringing the total number of affected states to nine.
Investigation points to imported iceberg lettuce
According to investigators, most confirmed cases have been linked to iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico that was contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite.
Officials are continuing to determine how the contaminated produce entered the food supply and whether additional cases are connected to the same shipment.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis
Health experts say cyclosporiasis is generally not life-threatening, but it can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent, watery diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Fatigue and weakness
People experiencing these symptoms after consuming fresh produce are advised to seek medical attention promptly.
Health authorities continue monitoring outbreak
Officials familiar with the investigation said patients in the newly affected states became ill during roughly the same period as earlier cases, strengthening suspicions that they were exposed to the same contaminated lettuce.
Public health agencies continue to investigate the source of the outbreak and monitor for additional infections.
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