Nearly 2,000 Sick After Eating Lettuce: 98 Hospitalized in Multi-State Parasite Outbreak

A widespread parasite outbreak linked to lettuce has sickened nearly 2,000 people.

Fresh lettuce sold through restaurant supply chains has been linked to a large foodborne illness outbreak in the United States, with nearly 2,000 confirmed infections and dozens of hospitalizations. Health officials are warning consumers and businesses to remain vigilant as investigations continue into the source of the contamination.

According to U.S. public health authorities, the outbreak is associated with Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh produce. Investigators believe contaminated iceberg lettuce supplied to restaurant chains was responsible for spreading the illness across multiple states.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), expanded its investigation after identifying a significant number of infections linked to restaurant meals containing lettuce. The outbreak affected people in multiple states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Health officials reported that approximately 1,947 people were infected during the outbreak, while 98 patients required hospitalization because of severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Fortunately, no deaths directly linked to the outbreak were reported.

Investigators traced many of the illnesses to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, a major producer serving restaurant chains. Officials emphasized that the investigation focused on identifying the specific batches and distribution routes responsible for the contamination rather than suggesting that all products from the company posed a risk.

On July 17, Taylor Farms announced a precautionary recall involving selected products distributed from one of its processing facilities in Mexico. The company also temporarily suspended production at the facility while cooperating with authorities during the investigation.

The FDA advised restaurants and food distributors not to serve or sell products included in the recall. Businesses were also instructed to dispose of any affected inventory and thoroughly sanitize equipment and storage areas that may have come into contact with contaminated produce.

Officials noted that this is not the only Cyclospora outbreak reported this year. Similar cases have appeared in several other states, prompting investigators to examine whether separate incidents could share common sources or distribution networks.

Additional cases were identified in states such as Nebraska, Rhode Island, New Mexico, and Maryland. However, health authorities continue to investigate whether those infections are directly connected to the larger outbreak or represent separate contamination events.

Michigan recorded one of the highest numbers of reported infections during the investigation period. In a single day, approximately 500 new cases were added to the state's total, highlighting how quickly foodborne outbreaks can spread through commercial distribution systems.

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclospora infection. People usually become infected after consuming contaminated food or water. Because the parasite requires time outside the human body to become infectious, person-to-person transmission is considered uncommon.

Common symptoms include:

• Frequent watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Weight loss
• Low-grade fever

Symptoms may last for several days or even weeks if left untreated, and some people may experience recurring illness.

How to Reduce Your Risk

Food safety experts recommend several precautions:

• Wash fresh produce thoroughly under clean running water.
• Purchase vegetables from reputable suppliers.
• Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
• Follow food recall announcements issued by health authorities.
• Seek medical attention if severe diarrhea persists after eating fresh produce.

While washing vegetables can reduce surface contamination, experts note that it may not eliminate every potential foodborne pathogen. Staying informed about recalls and practicing safe food handling remain important steps in reducing the risk of infection.