Fifteen states are now grappling with cases of cyclosporiasis connected to a recalled batch of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, as confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In a recent update, six additional states—Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina—have joined the ranks in this expanding multistate outbreak, the FDA disclosed Wednesday.
The outbreak has now surged to 6,358 reported illnesses spanning across the 15 affected states, as per the FDA’s notice. Despite an official recall, the agency anticipates further increases in this number, citing the potential delay of up to six weeks for the CDC and state health officials to ascertain whether new cases are tied to this outbreak.
According to the FDA’s report, “The true number of affected individuals in this multistate outbreak is likely higher than reported, and the outbreak might extend beyond the states currently with recorded illnesses.”
Tragically, Michigan health officials have confirmed two fatalities associated with the cyclosporiasis outbreak. Both deceased individuals had significant preexisting health conditions.
Taylor Farms issued a