Cyclospora Outbreak Expands to Georgia, Tennessee, Texas

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that cases of the parasitic illness cyclospora are now linked to iceberg lettuce in Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. The outbreak, which began earlier this year, has prompted recalls of certain lettuce products and heightened scrutiny of produce safety across the country.

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. It spreads through contaminated food or water, and outbreaks often trace back to fresh produce that has been exposed to contaminated irrigation water or soil.

How the Outbreak Unfolded

Health officials first identified the outbreak in late March, after patients in several states reported symptoms consistent with cyclospora infection. Subsequent investigations linked the cases to iceberg lettuce grown in a specific farm operation. The FDA’s recent update confirms that the outbreak now includes confirmed cases in Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, bringing the total number of affected states to six.

What Consumers Should Do

Consumers who purchased iceberg lettuce from the affected batches should check the product’s lot number against the FDA’s recall list, available on the agency’s website. If a match is found, the lettuce should be discarded or returned to the retailer for a refund. The FDA advises washing all fresh produce thoroughly, but notes that washing alone does not guarantee removal of the parasite.

Industry Response

Produce growers and distributors are cooperating with the FDA to trace the source of contamination and prevent further spread. The agency has issued guidance to farms on safe irrigation practices and soil management to reduce the risk of parasitic contamination.

Looking Ahead

Officials are monitoring the situation closely and expect to release additional updates as more data becomes available. The FDA encourages anyone experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming fresh produce to seek medical attention and report potential exposure.

For the full recall details and to check if your product is affected, visit the FDA’s recall page.

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