FDA Expands Cyclospora Outbreak Count to 6,358; North Carolina Among Affected States

Federal health officials say North Carolina is among 15 states reporting confirmed illnesses in a growing Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.

FDA Expands Cyclospora Outbreak Count to 6,358; North Carolina Among Affected States

Federal health officials say North Carolina is among 15 states reporting confirmed illnesses in a growing Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The outbreak now includes 6,358 laboratory‑confirmed illnesses, according to an August 5 update from FDA and CDC, and investigators expect the number to continue rising as additional interviews are completed.

State and local health departments have continued interviewing newly identified patients, leading CDC to include people who reported eating recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce or lettuce served at Taco Bell locations that received the affected product. Many of the illnesses began before the July 17 recall.

Illness onset dates range from June 22 through July 31. At least 278 people have been hospitalized. Two deaths were reported in Michigan, and state officials told FDA both individuals had significant underlying health conditions. Their illness onset dates occurred before Taylor Farms de Mexico initiated its voluntary recall.

FDA notes that the true number of illnesses is likely higher than what is currently reported. Cyclospora infections often go undiagnosed because some people recover without medical care, and laboratory confirmation can take up to six weeks. That delay means recent cases may not yet appear in federal counts, even as state totals fluctuate based on local reporting schedules.

Taylor Farms de Mexico announced on July 17 that it was removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. The recall includes Marketside‑brand Iceberg Salad and Shredded Lettuce sold at select Walmart stores, with Best if Used By dates from July 18 through August 3. Additional food‑service products were distributed to restaurants and institutional customers across multiple states, including North Carolina. Taco Bell has stated it stopped using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico on July 17.

Cyclospora infection typically causes diarrhea and frequent bowel movements, along with symptoms such as loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss. Some people experience vomiting, body aches, headache, or fever, while others show no symptoms at all. Untreated illness can lead to dehydration and complications that may last weeks or longer, and symptoms can relapse. Immunocompromised individuals may face more severe or prolonged illness.

FDA began traceback work immediately after receiving information identifying iceberg lettuce as a potential source. Investigators traced the product to central Mexico and increased screening and sampling at the border to prevent additional contaminated lettuce from entering the U.S. food supply. The investigation remains active as federal and state partners continue working to ensure recalled product is removed from commerce.

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers are urged to discard any recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce and sanitize surfaces the product touched. Refunds are available at the point of purchase. Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with Cyclospora infection should contact a healthcare provider, especially if they consumed shredded iceberg lettuce in the two weeks before becoming ill.

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