Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce Spreads to Nine States
A cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, primarily served at Taco Bell locations, has spread to nine states, including Pennsylvania. The Allegheny County Health Department has reported 26 cases, with the CDC confirming between 31 and 80 cases in Pennsylvania.…
Pittsburgh, PA, July 24, 2026 —
A growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness, has been linked to iceberg lettuce and has now affected nine states, including Pennsylvania. The Allegheny County Health Department has reported 26 cases within its jurisdiction, contributing to a larger state count. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed between 31 and 80 cases of cyclosporiasis in Pennsylvania.
The outbreak has been primarily associated with iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants. In response to the rising number of cases, the affected lettuce has been recalled. However, health officials caution that more cases are anticipated due to the incubation period of the parasite, which can range from a few days to over a week.
Cyclosporiasis symptoms typically include diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and fatigue. Flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches may also occur. The CDC recommends that individuals experiencing these symptoms seek medical attention.
It is important to note that cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness and is not transmitted from person to person. Investigations into the specific source of the contaminated lettuce are ongoing.
Story summarized from the original created by Andrew Havranek on www.wpxi.com, see more information here.
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