Federal health officials in the US have declared an end to the largest recorded multi-state outbreak of sickness caused by the cyclospora parasite. The outbreak was linked to processed iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico.
The record outbreak of cyclosporiasis infected 12,883 people across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalisations and two deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on Friday that there is no longer a risk from this source, as all linked product is past its best-by date and no longer available.
Between 1 May and 8 September, the CDC reported a total of 19,595 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across the US, with 12,883 linked to the contaminated lettuce. Cases were reported in 49 states and Washington DC, with Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio being among the hardest-hit states.
Despite the outbreak being declared over, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that its investigation into Taylor Farms de Mexico and other cyclospora clusters from this summer is ongoing. The FDA has urged supply chain industry leaders to implement rigorous prevention and mitigation efforts.