Cyclospora Outbreak Grows to Largest in US History

The Centers for Disease Control has expanded its multistate cyclosporiasis investigation to 15 states, now linking more than 10,000 lab-confirmed cases and two deaths to the outbreak — the largest cyclospora outbreak on record.

• Source Identified: Investigators have traced the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico and served at Taco Bell locations. Six states — Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina — joined the outbreak list this week, and the CDC says another 12,255 cases remain unconfirmed or under investigation.
• Not the Same Outbreak Locally: DC, Maryland, and Virginia are not among the 15 states linked to this lettuce-driven cluster. The region has reported its own, separate cyclosporiasis cases this season — DC six, Maryland 148, and Virginia 126 — but DC Health says most are travel-associated, with no local cluster identified tied to the national outbreak's source.
• What This Means for DC Restaurants: With a specific supply chain now identified nationally, restaurants should still review their lettuce and produce sourcing and watch for updated guidance. RAMW continues to share DC Health's cyclosporiasis fact sheets, available in English and Spanish, and will pass along further guidance as the investigation develops.