U.S. multi-state Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce tops 11,000 cases

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- An outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico has spread to 20 states, with a total of 11,458 illnesses reported, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Thursday.

The outbreak includes people who reported exposure to processed iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served or purchased at various locations, including those who previously reported eating at Taco Bell, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Most cases occurred before Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled its iceberg lettuce on July 17.

The FDA said it remains confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce associated with this specific Cyclospora outbreak has been removed from the market.

The FDA's onsite inspections and sampling at iceberg lettuce growers and a processing facility in Mexico, conducted in coordination with Mexican officials, are ongoing, the agency said.

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. In the United States, infections typically increase during the spring and summer months. The CDC defines the annual cyclosporiasis surveillance season as running from May 1 through Aug. 31.