15 states now linked to iceberg lettuce cyclospora outbreak, CDC says

Fifteen states are now connected to a Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This follows an initial report of nine states. The parasite has been found in at least 47 states this year. The outbreak's source has been narrowed down to lettuce from Taylor Farms, with the company recalling the affected produce.

The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically causes severe diarrhea and is challenging to track due to the time lag between exposure and symptom onset, difficulties in laboratory analysis, and the need to interview numerous sick individuals to identify common exposures. The CDC noted the staffing cuts across all health levels, reducing resources and capacity. The outbreak has been ongoing since late spring and typically peaks during summer.