On July 16, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that an outbreak of cyclosporiasis in 5 states was linked to shredded iceberg lettuce. The CDC is currently also investigating several other outbreaks in the US that may have a different source.
Cyclosporiasis is an infection of the small bowel caused by the parasite Cyclospora. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, people can get it when they eat food or drink water that’s contaminated with Cyclospora.
The descriptions of the symptoms on the news—such as recurrent explosive diahrrea—have made many of us avoid not just shredded iceberg lettuce, but also many other types of fresh produce that we typically enjoy in the summer. The Journal of the American Medical Association states cooking fruits and vegetables can kill cyclospora. Thoroughly washing, as well as removing outer layers or peeling produce can also help you avoid infection. In addition to cleaning your food, make sure to clean your hands, work surfaces, and utensils.
Individuals with cyclosporiasis are usually treated with an antibiotic. The Cleveland Clinic states that while cyclospora infection sometimes goes away on its own, if you don’t treat it, your symptoms may last for a month or longer. This puts you at risk of severe dehydration and other complications.
References:
https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/cyclospora
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2852106
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17957-cyclosporiasis
https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/php/surveillance/index.html
