By Hola Iowa
Iowa’s cases have not been connected to the five-state outbreak, but recalled iceberg lettuce was distributed to food-service customers in the state from June 29 through July 16.
Iowa had identified 57 cases of cyclosporiasis in 2026 as of July 15, including 55 reported since May 1. About half of the cases reported since May were associated with international travel.
None of Iowa’s cases had been connected to the national outbreak investigations or to a specific food source as of July 15. Iowa had recorded 49 cases by the same date in 2025.
Recalled iceberg lettuce distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods reached Iowa between June 29 and July 16. The products were removed from the market because of possible contamination with Cyclospora, the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis.
Recalled lettuce reached Iowa food-service customers
Iowa was among 27 states that received recalled iceberg lettuce products. The distribution list also includes Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Texas and Wisconsin.
The recall covers shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped lettuce, lettuce-and-romaine blends and other products supplied to restaurants, retailers and food-service customers. Use-by dates vary by product and extend into early August.
Marketside-brand Iceberg Salad and Shredded Lettuce sold at select Walmart stores are also included in the recall. The listed Walmart distribution states do not include Iowa, but other recalled food-service products were distributed in the state.
Recalled products can be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a refund. Containers and surfaces that touched the lettuce can be cleaned and sanitized to reduce cross-contamination.
Related: Iowa lake beaches remain under E. coli and algae toxin advisories
Five-state outbreak has caused more than 1,600 illnesses
The outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations had caused 1,644 confirmed illnesses and 94 hospitalizations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia as of July 16. No deaths had been reported.
Illnesses began between May 13 and July 13. Among 190 people interviewed in Michigan who had eaten at Taco Bell, 90% reported eating iceberg lettuce. Federal traceback work identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the common supplier used by locations where people became sick.
Taylor Farms stopped distributing iceberg lettuce from central Mexico and began removing affected products from the U.S. market on July 17. Taco Bell also stopped using lettuce from that supplier.
A lettuce sample initially reported as positive for Cyclospora was later determined to be a false positive. As of July 19, no product sample had been confirmed positive, although the epidemiological and traceback investigation continued to connect the outbreak with the recalled iceberg lettuce.
The five-state outbreak is separate from the broader national count. As of July 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recorded 1,645 domestically acquired cases across 34 states, including 141 hospitalizations and no deaths. That surveillance total includes several clusters and cases that have not been linked to a common source.
Cyclosporiasis can cause diarrhea for weeks
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely.
Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, muscle aches and a low-grade fever.
Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure but can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks later. Without treatment, they may last for several days, a month or longer, and diarrhea can disappear and return.
Diagnosis requires testing for Cyclospora. Treatment may include antibiotics along with fluids and electrolytes when dehydration develops.
The FDA’s current recall list and product details remain available as the investigation continues.
Stay in the know with stories that matter — visit HolaAmericaNews.com for the latest news, culture, and community updates!
Facebook Comments