Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Linked to Taylor Farms Lettuce Spreads to 15 States
A deadly parasite outbreak, cyclosporiasis, linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms has expanded to 15 states, affecting over 6,000 people with nearly 300 hospitalizations and two deaths. While Georgia has no confirmed cases, the affected lettuce was distributed in…
Atlanta, GA, August 6, 2026 —
An outbreak of the parasitic illness cyclosporiasis, linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, has now been confirmed in 15 states, according to recent reports. The outbreak has affected over 6,000 individuals, leading to nearly 300 hospitalizations and two confirmed deaths.
While the state of Georgia has not reported any confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis stemming from this outbreak, the affected lettuce was distributed within the state. This has led some shoppers in Atlanta to adopt increased precautions when purchasing produce, though overall concern among consumers in the city reportedly remains low.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People typically become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite’s feces. Symptoms often include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting and fever may also occur. Symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other gastrointestinal illnesses, and some individuals may experience recurrent bouts of illness.
Public health officials are continuing to monitor the situation and investigate the source of the contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are involved in the ongoing investigation.
Taylor Farms has not released a statement regarding the outbreak. Information regarding the specific timelines of distribution and the exact cause of contamination has not been provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Niamoni Watson on www.atlantanewsfirst.com, see more information here.
