Is Middle Georgia at risk of cyclospora? Department of Public Health provides insight into national outbreak

HOUSTON COUNTY — Lettuce has been at the forefront of the American public’s mind due to a cyclospora outbreak across 41 states, including Georgia. 

Ben O’Neil, an epidemiology director with Georgia’s Department of Health North Central Health District in Macon, explained the outbreak and how it currently affects middle Georgia.

What is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora causes a condition called cyclosporiasis, an illness from eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water, according to the FDA. It causes diarrhea, cramping and other symptoms. 

According to O’Neil, unlike other foodborne illnesses that may last for days, the symptoms from Cyclospora can last for weeks. 

He explained there is an uptick in foodborne diseases typically during the summer months, including cyclospora. It is a parasite that is generally transmitted when infected feces contaminate food or water. 

“It has to do with the environment, the heat. It’s just ideal for them,” he said in an interview. 

The Georgia Department of Public Health says reported cases of cyclosporiasis have increased since 2015. This is due to a change in laboratory testing practices.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of July 13, 4,000 people have become sick, with fewer than 100 cases in Georgia. There have been outbreak cases reported in four states: Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. 

There have been 31 to 80 cases in Georgia since May 1, none associated with the ongoing outbreak. Cases are in middle Georgia, but not associated with the outbreak, O’Neil said.

Groups more at risk are young children, older adults, pregnant women and those with pre-existing conditions that suppress their immune system.

How do health officials identify the disease?

O’Neil said the CDC looks for domestically acquired cases. 

“For the most part, the water in the United States filters it out in the treatment process, so a lot of the cases that we normally get are internationally travel associated,” he said. 

When distinguishing between isolated cases versus larger outbreaks, the health district interviews each individual case and finds out what they’ve eaten or come in contact with in the last two weeks.

Cases involving Cyclospora can be difficult to identify, he said

“It’s not something that spreads from human to human. It’s not something that you start experiencing symptoms immediately after the food that you eat, like other foodborne illnesses. It can be difficult,” he said.

Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. 

When they investigate, the NCHD collaborates with state and federal partners to compare data. From there, they can identify if it is a common exposure. He said this has not been seen in any of the cases in Georgia this year. 

If they see an uptick, they notify healthcare workers to be on the lookout, but they have not seen that yet, O’Neil said. 

DPH and the CDC encourage people to take proactive steps like washing their hands when handling fresh produce to reduce the risk of getting ill. 

DPH encourages anyone with diarrhea to stay home. If symptoms last longer than a few days, they should contact their healthcare provider. 

Updates on cyclospora outbreak

The outbreak was identified on July 14 after multiple agencies collected data in several states.  According to the CDC, on Friday, July 17, Taylor Farms recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The notice included Marketside-brand products available at Walmart. 

In the latest update on July 19, a sample of lettuce was reported positive on July 18. Laboratory experts reviewed the sample results and concluded that the finding did not confirm the presence of Cyclosporia and should be considered a false positive. 

“FDA has notified Taylor Farms and continues working with the firm to ensure product implicated in this outbreak has been removed from the market. FDA and state partners continue to collect and analyze product samples. As of July 19, 2026, there are no confirmed positive sample results for product testing for Cyclospora,” according to their website. 

On Thursday, July 16, the FDA announced an investigation into the outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

In a statement released on their website on Friday, July 17, Taco Bell said they have completely removed the affected Taylor Farms lettuce from their restaurants.