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😷Cyclospora Outbreak Affects Over 22K in 15 States

Over 22,000 People Hit by Cyclospora Outbreak

TL;DR

The cyclospora outbreak has affected over 22,000 people across 15 states. Most contaminated lettuce is no longer available, but new clusters linked to parsley and cilantro are under investigation.

Over 22,000 people have been hit by a cyclospora outbreak in 15 states, with at least 517 hospitalizations and two deaths reported. The outbreak has been traced back to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico distributed by Taylor Farms. A recall was issued on July 17 for shredded iceberg lettuce and salad mixes through August 3. As of August 6, officials are investigating two additional clusters linked to parsley and cilantro in North Carolina. Michigan alone reports over 12,000 cases since June, typically seeing only 40-50 annually.

Cyclospora Outbreak Affects Over 22K in 15 States — WIRED

Key Points

1

Over 22,000 cases reported in 15 states due to cyclospora outbreak as of August 6

2

Taylor Farms issued a recall for shredded iceberg lettuce and salad mixes on July 17

3

Two additional clusters linked to parsley and cilantro are under investigation in North Carolina

4

Michigan reports over 12,000 cases since June, typically seeing only 40-50 annually

5

Health officials advise purchasing whole heads of lettuce rather than bagged products

Why It Matters

If you're buying salad ingredients this summer, be wary. The cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms' lettuce and now parsley/cilantro highlights the risks in food supply chains. Michigan's spike from 40-50 annual cases to over 12,000 since June underscores how quickly things can go wrong.

cyclosporaoutbreaklettucesalad mixeshealth advisory

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're buying salad ingredients this summer, be wary. The cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms' lettuce and now parsley/cilantro highlights the risks in food supply chains. Michigan's spike from 40-50 annual cases to over 12,000 since June underscores how quickly things can go wrong.

What happened?

The cyclospora outbreak has affected over 22,000 people across 15 states. Most contaminated lettuce is no longer available, but new clusters linked to parsley and cilantro are under investigation.

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