Cyclospora outbreak dubbed "lettuce-gate" as concerns over parasitic illness spread across U.S.

A cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has spread across the U.S., and social media users have nicknamed the situation “lettuce-gate” amid continuing concern about whether it is fully controlled. The CDC reported that as of Friday the nationwide total reached 1,947 confirmed cyclospora infections, after hundreds more cases were added; at least 98 hospitalizations were reported and no deaths. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously said the source had been identified and that companies issued a recall. Officials suspect affected iceberg lettuce came from a Taylor Farms facility in central Mexico. Taylor Farms said the FDA had not confirmed positive results for its product samples as of Friday, while it removed potentially implicated products, broadened the recall, and suspended sourcing and production in central Mexico. Taco Bell removed the affected lettuce; Mexico’s Federal Commission reported no parasite evidence at Taylor Farms.