How to clean lettuce amid cyclospora outbreak
USA TODAY’s Mike Snider demonstrated how to properly clean and store your leafy greens.
State health officials have confirmed 30 new “explosive” diarrhea cases in Texas within a week, as concerns continue to grow.
The Texas Department of State Health Services told USA TODAY that there are 98 lab-confirmed domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis in the state as of July 20.
Thousands have been sickened by cyclosporiasis across the country. In Michigan, more than 5,000 cases have been reported, with 102 hospitalized, as of July 16, according to the state health department. Texas has seen 15 hospitalizations since the start of the outbreak in May.
State officials also told USA TODAY that the source of the Texas parasite outbreak has not been identified.
As cases continue to spread in the state and the nation, here is what you need to know to stay safe.
Taylor Farms recalls lettuce sold in Texas over cyclospora concerns
On July 17, Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico because it could be contaminated with cyclospora.
As USA TODAY previously reported, on June 18, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that a sample of lettuce collected from Taylor Farms – which was not part of the recalled batch – tested positive for the parasite.
The FDA has since walked back the finding, saying the result was a false positive, but Taylor Farms did recall batches of lettuce sold to Taco Bell and Walmart in 15 states, including Texas.
The affected items include 12-ounce and 24-ounce Marketside Iceberg Salad bags and 8-ounce and 16-ounce Marketside Shredded Lettuce and can be identified by “Best if Used By” dates ranging from July 18 through Aug. 3.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora and is considered generally not life-threatening.
People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, and it can take at least one to two weeks for Cyclospora to become infectious after passing in a bowel movement, according to the CDC. This means direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely.
In the United States, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of fresh produce and typically spike every spring and summer; however, the CDC is reporting no specific link in the 2026 cases.
People can also be infected with Cyclospora more than once.
Cyclospora symptoms, treatment
People experience symptoms of cyclosporiasis about one week after consuming food or water contaminated with Cyclospora, according to the CDC. However, some people in areas where cyclosporiasis is common may not have any symptoms.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include:
- Watery diarrhea (most common).
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Cramping.
- Bloating.
- Increased gas.
- Nausea.
- Fatigue.
Other less common symptoms include vomiting, body aches, headache, a low-grade fever and other flu-like symptoms.
There is no vaccine for cyclosporiasis, according to the CDC. The recommended treatment is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, commonly known as Bactrim.
How long does cyclosporiasis last?
The Cleveland Clinic states that cyclosporiasis can go away on its own. If it’s properly diagnosed and treated, the illness can last between one and two weeks. However, some people may still have occasional bouts of diarrhea for up to a month.
If left untreated, symptoms may last for a month or longer.
Is cyclosporiasis contagious?
Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely, according to the CDC, because the parasite outside a human body takes one to two weeks to become infectious.
Cyclospora, cyclosporiasis prevention
Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated with feces and follow these food-safety practices to reduce your risk of foodborne illness:
- Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking.
- Fruits and vegetables that are labeled “prewashed” do not need to be washed again at home.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.