U.S. Cyclospora cases surge to nearly 14,000 amid lettuce-linked outbreak
Nearly 14,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across the United States since May, as a large outbreak linked to processed iceberg lettuce continues to drive the increase.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Tuesday that 13,895 cases acquired in the United States were reported between May 1 and August 10. At least 740 patients have been hospitalized and two have died.
The confirmed case count increased by 3,427 from the CDC’s previous update last Wednesday, when 10,468 cases had been reported. The number of hospitalizations rose by 223.
By comparison, 1,180 cases were reported nationwide between May 1 and August 31, 2025, fewer than one-tenth of the current total with nearly three weeks still remaining in this year’s reporting period.
The CDC is investigating multiple clusters, including a large multistate outbreak linked to processed iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. Officials said the outbreak has contributed significantly to this year’s increase, though not all cases have been connected to the product.
At least 10,455 additional cases may require further investigation and analysis.
Michigan health officials said the state’s case count has risen to 12,485, an increase of 267 from last week. At least 279 patients reported being hospitalized as of August 6, up from 193 as of July 30.
The two deaths were reported in Michigan and remain the only fatalities nationwide. Both patients had significant underlying health conditions that may have been affected by cyclosporiasis and dehydration, and both became ill before the voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce was announced on July 17.
Cases have been reported in 47 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Patients ranged in age from 1 to 98, with a median age of 45, and 57 percent were female. Illness onset dates ranged from May 1 through August 2.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Symptoms commonly include prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite.
The post U.S. Cyclospora cases surge to nearly 14,000 amid lettuce-linked outbreak appeared first on BNO News.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
