An outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the US has seen potentially more than 11,000 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Experts have described the large number of cases as symptomatic of "vulnerabilities" in the US food safety systems.
Barbara Kowalcyk, an associate professor at George Washington University and director of the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security, stated that the magnitude of the outbreak highlights system vulnerabilities. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasitic protozoa, leading to weeks of watery diarrhoea. Over 300 people have been hospitalised, though no deaths have been reported.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating six outbreaks, including one affecting nine states. Iceberg lettuce sold by Taylor Farms de Mexico has been identified as one source, leading to a voluntary recall of lettuce sold to restaurants in 27 states and grocery stores in 15 states. Michigan has been particularly affected, with state officials reporting over 7,000 cases.
The outbreak has also occurred in the context of significant strain on state and federal health departments. Major cuts to public health funding were initiated in 2025, including an $11.4bn reduction in pandemic-era grants to state and local health departments. The CDC reportedly lost between 25-30% of its staff, with a specialised parasitic disease team downsized from 11 to three people.