Overview
- Michigan reported a rapid rise in cases, reaching about 3,309 illnesses and dozens hospitalized by Tuesday, and state investigators say lettuce or salad greens repeatedly appear in patient interviews though no specific product or supplier has been identified.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed hundreds of U.S. cases but notes federal totals lag state reports because of testing and reporting delays, and thousands more illnesses are under investigation or reported by states.
- Federal and state teams are using patient interviews, laboratory testing and supply‑chain tracebacks to find a source, but Cyclospora’s long incubation, limited lab methods and inability to be cultured make linking cases and produce difficult.
- Restaurants and grocers have taken local precautions — some Taco Bell locations temporarily removed fresh toppings — and health officials advise buying whole heads of lettuce, discarding outer leaves, washing produce, cooking greens to 158°F when possible, and testing and treating symptomatic patients with trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole.
- Past U.S. Cyclospora outbreaks have been tied to bagged salad mixes, herbs and berries, and investigators warn that the complex produce supply chain can spread contamination widely so case counts and traceback findings may change as more data arrive.