Cyclospora Outbreak Expands to Berries and Herbs as 22,000 Cases Confirmed Nationwide

The nationwide cyclospora outbreak has expanded beyond lettuce to include blueberries, raspberries, and snow peas, according to former CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield. The microscopic parasite has now infected more than 22,000 confirmed or suspected cases across the United States, with six additional states reporting infections in recent days.

Michigan has emerged as a hotspot for the outbreak, recording more than 11,000 confirmed cases and reporting the first two deaths linked to the parasitic infection. Officials confirmed both individuals who died had significant underlying health conditions that complicated their infections.

“You have to get those vegetables that were contaminated with human fecal material. And so it’s not something we see a lot in the United States,” Redfield told Elizabeth Vargas Reports.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked some cases to lettuce grown in Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms, though investigators have not confirmed the outbreak’s full source. Health officials in the United Kingdom have witnessed a substantial increase in cases among travelers returning from Mexico, adding an international dimension to the crisis.

Contamination Extends to Multiple Produce Categories

Public health experts have tied past cyclospora outbreaks to imported produce including cilantro, basil, pre-packaged salad mix, and raspberries. The diarrhea-inducing illness spreads through contaminated food, and experts say the current outbreak represents a significant expansion of the parasite’s reach into the American food supply.

Redfield emphasized that caution should extend beyond bagged lettuce to all raw vegetables and fruits. The former CDC director urged consumers to consider the origin of their produce when making purchasing decisions during this period of heightened risk.

“The safest thing to do is get locally grown vegetables because the real risk is these internationally imported vegetables right now,” Redfield noted. “The only way you get cyclosporiasis is if you have to eat vegetables.”

Iowa health officials have recorded 272 laboratory-confirmed cases across 55 counties this year, with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services warning that the tally is provisional and could grow as investigations continue. The CDC has confirmed Iowa is part of the multistate outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce.

Consumers Rush to Farmers Markets for Local Alternatives

The outbreak has strained Americans’ trust in the food safety system, leading to a downturn in sales and reputation damage for big businesses and farms. Shoppers in places like New Orleans and Des Moines are rushing to local farmers markets in search of lettuce and other produce with traceable origins.

Experts say knowing where produce comes from can reduce infection risk, even if no guarantee exists. In San Antonio, local markets are offering alternatives for concerned consumers, with several operating throughout the week on varied schedules.

Trinity Ranch out of Seguin offers hydroponic salad greens and herbs and typically appears at the Pearl Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Various herbs remain easy to find at San Antonio markets, though lettuce is currently out of season and may not return until October.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services issued guidance recommending people wash all produce under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. The agency urged people to wash produce even if labeled pre-washed, scrub firm items with a clean produce brush, and trim damaged spots where bacteria can hide.

Cooking Temperatures Can Eliminate Parasite Risk

When appropriate, cooking produce to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit can kill Cyclospora, according to the Iowa agency. This guidance offers a protective measure for consumers who want to continue eating potentially contaminated produce categories without accepting the full risk profile.

People with symptoms of cyclosporiasis should contact a healthcare provider, who can order testing and recommend treatment. The agency working with local public health partners, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing, and the State Hygienic Lab continues investigating the rise in infections.

Health officials also urged people to reduce their risk by following food safety alerts and avoiding recalled produce entirely. The provisional case count suggests the outbreak’s scale may expand further as laboratory testing confirms additional suspected infections across multiple states.

Berries have been on their way out of season in many markets, creating additional complexity for consumers trying to balance food safety concerns with nutritional needs and personal preferences. Summer fruit enthusiasts face difficult decisions about whether to forgo seasonal favorites during the outbreak’s peak.

Trust Crisis Develops in National Food Supply Chain

The outbreak represents a significant test of consumer confidence in America’s food safety infrastructure. Restaurant patrons and home cooks are reconsidering their produce choices, with some avoiding lettuce entirely and others seeking out farmers markets despite the higher costs and limited availability these venues often present.

The 22,000-case figure represents confirmed or suspected infections, meaning the actual total could climb as testing expands and more people seek medical attention for symptoms. The addition of six states to the affected list in recent days suggests the outbreak continues spreading geographically rather than stabilizing.

Health experts emphasize that cyclosporiasis typically does not occur frequently in the United States, making the current outbreak’s scale particularly concerning. The parasite requires contact with human fecal material, pointing to breakdowns in sanitation or food handling protocols somewhere in the supply chain.

Investigators continue working to identify the full scope of contaminated produce beyond the Taylor Farms lettuce distribution. The international dimension, including UK cases tied to Mexico travel, suggests contamination may originate in agricultural operations outside American regulatory oversight.