CDC Expands Cyclospora Outbreak to 15 States, Reports First Deaths Linked to Contaminated Lettuce

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its investigation into the largest known cyclospora outbreak in the U.S. to 15 states, with six new states added due to illnesses traced to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. Michigan health officials have reported the first two confirmed deaths related to the microscopic parasite, though both individuals had underlying health conditions. The outbreak has seen a dramatic increase in cases, with Missouri alone reporting 1,095 cases.