The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the conclusion of a Cyclospora outbreak that affected 12,883 individuals in 21 states, with 570 people hospitalized and two fatalities reported. The outbreak, one of the largest in U.S. history, was traced to processed iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. In response, the company recalled all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico on July 17. The CDC confirmed that these products are no longer available for sale, eliminating the risk of cyclosporiasis from this source as of September 11.

The Rise of Cyclospora Cayetanensis Infections

While the outbreak has ended, there is still a significant increase in Cyclospora cayetanensis infections. Since May 1, the CDC has recorded 19,595 cases acquired domestically across 49 states and Washington, D.C., including 1,043 hospitalizations and two deaths. The distribution map provided by the agency displays where patients reside, although it doesn’t specify where they contracted the parasite.

Investigation of the Cyclospora Contamination

Though linked to iceberg lettuce, the exact contamination source remains under investigation. Initial inquiries pointed to Taco Bell restaurants. Michigan officials studied food histories, finding 90 percent of 190 patients had consumed iceberg lettuce. FDA traced the lettuce to a single supplier. A lettuce sample reported as positive was reclassified as a false positive upon further inspection; no confirmed positive results emerged from product testing.

Contamination can occur in fields, through water, or during processing. The FDA, alongside Mexican authorities, inspected growing and processing locations. Cyclospora spreads via contaminated food or water with human feces and needs one to two weeks outside the body to become infectious, making direct person-to-person transmission unlikely.

Other Foodborne Outbreaks Under Scrutiny

Currently, the FDA is investigating eight active foodborne outbreaks unrelated to Cyclospora. Identified pathogens include:

• Salmonella Bovismorbificans: Linked to broccoli sprouts, affecting 22 people. Evergreen Fresh Sprouts recalled implicated products after contaminant was found.
• Salmonella Newport: 109 cases recorded without a determined food source. Traceback efforts continue.
• E. coli and Salmonella Agona: Identified in alfalfa sprouts by Everything Sprouts, affecting 55 people. Not all illnesses are linked to these products.
• Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:-: 43 cases recorded. Investigations are ongoing without a known food source.
• Salmonella Javiana: Linked to jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, 431 cases reported. Recall initiated.
• Listeria monocytogenes: Nine cases reported, with no source identified.
• Salmonella Oranienburg: 99 cases under investigation, source remains unidentified.
• E. coli O145:H28: Linked to frozen blueberries, affecting 17 people. Recalls include GreenWise frozen berries and Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold at Walmart.

Consumers are advised to verify products due to recalls involving 2028 best-by dates. For further details, contact Newsweek editor Edward Pearcey.