More States Reportedly Facing Cyclosporiasis Outbreak -- What To Know

The CDC has linked 15 states to a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from Mexico, while cases in 32 other states are described as sporadic background infections, travel-associated illnesses, or separate clusters still under investigation. Experts warn that rising case numbers don’t necessarily mean people are still eating contaminated produce, since symptoms can take weeks and it can take up to six weeks to confirm whether a person is part of the outbreak. The illness, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, typically isn’t fatal. The CDC traced the source after reports of eating at Taco Bell, and the lettuce was distributed from June 29 through July 16, with recalls in multiple states.