US Diarrhea Outbreak Over: 12,000+ Cases Linked to Lettuce
Federal health officials announced today, September 12, 2026, that the largest U.S. outbreak of cyclosporiasis has concluded. The contamination, linked to imported lettuce, resulted in over 12,000 cases and two deaths, underscoring the need for robust food safety measures.
BREAKING: Largest US Diarrhea Outbreak Declared Over, Officials Confirm Washington D.C. – Federal health officials announced today, Saturday, September 12, 2026, that the largest outbreak of cyclosporiasis in United States history has officially concluded. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the end of the widespread contamination event, which was linked to over 12,000 reported cases across the nation and tragically, two confirmed fatalities. The outbreak, which primarily affected consumers through contaminated imported lettuce, underscores ongoing vulnerabilities in the nation's food supply chain. What Happened: A Nation Gripped by Cyclosporiasis The multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a debilitating intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis , saw an unprecedented surge in cases beginning in late spring 2026. Federal investigators traced the source to specific shipments of pre-packaged, fresh lettuce imported from international agricultural operations. Consumers across numerous states reported severe gastrointestinal distress, including explosive diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach…