Yesterday, the US government’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared that samples of iceberg lettuce samples from Taylor Farms came positive. Now, the agency has claimed that the results actually showed a ‘false positive’. Cases of the parasitic stomach bug have been reported across 27 US states.
Cyclospora Outbreak Latest Update: FDA’s Latest Update
This morning, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared a new update regarding its ongoing probe into the cyclospora outbreak, currently impacting the US. The agency said that the previously tested samples of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce displayed a ‘false positive’ and not a genuine result.
It then added that “As of July 19, 2026, there are no confirmed positive sample results for product testing for Cyclospora,”. The surprising revelation was discovered when FDA officials conducted a fresh review of the lettuce samples that previously tested positive. It also mentioned that “The finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive,”.
Cyclospora Outbreak Latest Update: Taylor Farms Statement
California based supplier Taylor Farms which produces iceberg lettuce among other plants reacted to the FDA’s error. The supplier said that it will continue “working with the firm to ensure product implicated in this outbreak has been removed from the market,”.
It also claimed that the FDA acknowledged its mistake and apologised. But despite this new update, Taylor Farms will maintain its voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce which was initiated “because it has the potential to be contaminated with Cyclospora”. The FDA as well as the CDC are still investigating the origins of the outbreak, which is rapidly spreading.
Cyclospora Outbreak: List of Affected Areas
The ongoing Cyclospora outbreak has affected the following American states:
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Alabama
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Arkansas
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Connecticut
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Florida
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Georgia
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Iowa
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Illinois
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Indiana
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Kansas
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Kentucky
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Louisiana
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Massachusetts
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Maryland
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Michigan
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Missouri
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Mississippi
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North Carolina
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New Hampshire
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New Jersey
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Ohio
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Oklahoma
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Pennsylvania
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South Carolina
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Tennessee
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Texas
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Virginia
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Wisconsin
However, more states may be added to this list as more cases of the Cyclospora outbreak emerge.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The disease spreads through indirect human to human transmission. And its symptoms commonly start to show a week after getting infected.
Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: Symptoms & Treatment
The common symptoms of Cyclospora include
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Watery Diarrhea (The most common symptom often frequent and severe).
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Stomach Cramps that include Sharp pain, bloating, and increased gas
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Loss of Appetite
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Severe Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and muscle aches.
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Rapid weight loss.
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Nausea & Vomiting due to an upset stomach
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Low grade fever.
