Record-setting cyclospora outbreak is over, U.S. health officials declare

U.S. health officials have declared the cyclospora food poisoning outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce to be over, stating there is no longer a risk from this specific source. The outbreak resulted in nearly 13,000 reported cases across 21 states, with over 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. Despite the outbreak being deemed concluded, the FDA is continuing its investigation into how the parasitic illness contaminated produce sourced from central Mexico.

• The cyclospora food poisoning outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has ended.
• U.S. health officials are confident that all related iceberg lettuce is off the market.
• Nearly 13,000 reported cases were tied to the outbreak spanning 21 states.
• Over 570 people were hospitalized, and two deaths were reported.
• The FDA is continuing its investigation into the outbreak’s origin, despite it being deemed over.
• This year’s surge in cyclospora cases is unprecedented, with over 16 times the number of illnesses reported compared to the same period last year.
• Michigan was the hardest-hit state, reporting the most cases and the two U.S. deaths linked to the outbreak.
• The outbreak highlighted concerns about the reduction of international inspections for contaminated produce.