US Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Over: 12,000+ Cases
Federal and state health officials have declared the end of the largest U.S. outbreak of cyclosporiasis, which sickened over 12,000 people and caused two deaths. The parasitic illness was primarily linked to contaminated imported lettuce.
BREAKING: Major Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Declared Over, Officials Announce Washington D.C. - Federal and state health officials announced today, Saturday, September 12, 2026, that the largest outbreak of the parasitic illness cyclosporiasis in the United States has officially concluded. The outbreak, primarily linked to contaminated imported lettuce, resulted in over 12,000 reported cases nationwide and tragically, two fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), working in conjunction with state health departments, confirmed the cessation of new cases linked to the common source. What Happened: A Widespread Health Scare The outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a debilitating diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis , swept across the nation over the past several months. Officials traced the source to fresh produce, specifically pre-packaged lettuce imported from international sources. Consumers who ingested the contaminated produce experienced severe gastrointestinal distress, including explosive diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, and fatigue. Symptoms typically appear about a…