Cyclospora spreads through human waste

Live updates

1. 29d ago

   Parasitic Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce

   A widespread parasitic outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce is affecting multiple U.S. states. Recent data shows Michigan cases rose 11% in one week, while Missouri reported nearly 400 cases. Another state saw a weekly increase of approximately 1,500 cases. The FDA has confirmed that best-by dates for the recalled iceberg lettuce have already passed. While some reports suggest the outbreak is waning, the parasite continues to spread through contaminated produce, originating from human waste.

   Why it matters

   Cyclospora is a parasite transmitted to humans via food contaminated with human feces. This outbreak highlights vulnerabilities in the produce supply chain and the difficulty of removing parasites from fresh greens.

   What is confirmed

   • The cyclosporiasis outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce.
   • The FDA stated that best-by dates for the recalled iceberg lettuce have passed.
   • Cyclospora spreads through human waste.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Statewide cyclosporiasis cases grew by around 1,500 in a week.

   What to watch next

   • FDA reports on the specific origin of the contamination
   • Updated case counts from state health departments
   • New guidance on the safety of other fresh produce
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. WIRED — Is It Safe to Eat Lettuce Yet?
   2. Reuters — Michigan cyclosporiasis cases rise 11% in a week, even as new cases slow
   3. WLNS 6 News — Statewide cyclosporiasis cases grow by around 1,500 in a week
   4. USA Today — Lettuce-linked parasitic outbreak spreads. See map, more updates
   5. The New York Times — Is It Safe to Eat Lettuce and Other Fresh Produce as Cyclospora Outbreak Wanes?
   6. CIDRAP — Best-by dates of recalled iceberg lettuce linked to massive Cyclospora outbreak have passed, says FDA
   7. pbs.org — Cyclospora spreads through human waste — so how did it get on food?
   8. FOX4KC.com — Missouri sees rise of nearly 400 cyclosporiasis cases
   9. The Baltimore Banner — Maryland’s Summer of Ick: It’s more than parasites
   confidence 80%