Summary
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, caused by the cyclospora parasite, is under control after the FDA reversed a large lettuce recall. The outbreak has affected many states, especially in the Midwest, with thousands of reported cases this summer.Key Facts
- Cyclospora causes diarrhea and spreads through contaminated food or water.
- The outbreak has been reported in 34 states, with over 1,600 confirmed cases nationally and more than 6,500 cases in Michigan alone.
- The FDA initially recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from 27 states but later said the recall was a false alarm.
- Kennedy said the source was identified and companies involved have issued recalls.
- The CDC expects the outbreak to continue through August due to the parasite’s long incubation period.
- The Trump administration reduced funding and staffing for food safety and outbreak response programs, which experts say slowed the response.
- Cyclospora outbreaks happen every summer and tend to increase in warm weather.
- Kennedy emphasized that knowing the source will help people make better food choices.
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