Updated

Updated · NBC Connecticut · Jul 13

Connecticut Confirms 35 Cyclosporiasis Cases After 12 New Infections Since July 1

Updated

Updated · NBC Connecticut · Jul 13

Connecticut Confirms 35 Cyclosporiasis Cases After 12 New Infections Since July 1

Q: Lettuce is the prime suspect in Michigan's massive outbreak. Should you be throwing out your salad greens right now?

No. There is no recommendation to throw out all salad greens right now, and no nationwide recall has been issued. But with Michigan’s outbreak now topping 2,800 cases and lettuce and salad greens under scrutiny, it makes sense to be more cautious. Health officials in Michigan and the CDC say lettuce is a leading suspect, but they have not identified a specific grower, brand, or supplier. That matters: without a confirmed source, a blanket order to discard all greens would go beyond the evidence. Connecticut’s 35 cases are part of a wider multistate rise, but nationally the CDC says overall cyclosporiasis levels are still within the usual seasonal range. What you should do is reduce risk. Buy whole heads of lettuce rather than bagged salad mixes when possible. Remove and discard the outer leaves, then wash the inner leaves thoroughly under running water. Wash hands, knives, cutting boards, and counters before and after food prep. If you are especially concerned, cooking vegetables to 158°F (70°C) kills Cyclospora; washing helps but may not fully remove the parasite. Be aware that Cyclospora has also been linked in past outbreaks to herbs, berries, and other fresh produce, not just lettuce. If you develop watery diarrhea, cramping, nausea, or fatigue within days to two weeks after eating fresh produce, seek medical care and ask about Cyclospora testing, since routine stool tests may miss it.

3 articles · Updated · NBC Connecticut · Jul 13

Twelve newly confirmed cyclosporiasis infections since July 1 pushed Connecticut's 2026 total to 35, state health officials said Monday.
The intestinal illness is linked to food or water contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite; watery diarrhea is the most common symptom, usually starting within a week of exposure.
Twenty-two of the 35 cases were acquired in the United States, five internationally, and investigators are still tracing exposure sources for the remaining eight.
Connecticut had 19 cases at this point last year, while the illness has now been reported in 17 states; Michigan led the country with 1,562 cases as of July 10.
Health officials urged residents to wash produce, choose whole heads of lettuce over bagged salad mixes, and clean hands and kitchen surfaces to reduce risk.