RIDOH Issues Food Safety Reminders, Given Cyclosporiasis Clusters in Multiple States

Published on Friday, July 17, 2026

As several states report increases in cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding Rhode Islanders to follow simple food safety practices to help reduce their risk of illness.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections, some of which have now been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in 5 states. On Thursday night, CDC and FDA advised consumers to not eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. FDA and state partners are actively investigating the source and scope of the contamination. Because the investigation remains ongoing, additional implicated brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels may be identified as the investigation continues. CDC is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to this outbreak.   

Rhode Island is not currently seeing an abnormally high number of cases of cyclosporiasis. There have been 6 cases in Rhode Island to date in 2026, 6 cases in 2025, and 12 in 2024.  There is no indication that any of Rhode Island’s cases this year are associated with cyclosporiasis clusters in other states, or with a common food source.   

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is generally spread by eating contaminated food, most often fresh produce, or contaminated drinking water.  Contamination can occur when food or water comes into contact with tiny amounts of human waste containing the parasite, such as through contaminated irrigation water or improper sanitation during growing, harvesting, or handling. Unlike many gastrointestinal illnesses, cyclosporiasis is not known to spread directly from person to person. Cases in the United States that are not travel related typically rise during the spring and summer. Foods that have been commonly linked to cyclospora outbreaks in the past include bagged lettuce, fresh cilantro (coriander leaves), fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions (scallions).  

To help protect against cyclosporiasis and other foodborne illness, RIDOH recommends that people:    

• Wash their hands with soap and water before and after preparing fresh fruits and vegetables.   
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water while gently rubbing the surface, even if you plan to peel or cook them.    
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing or eating.   
• Cook produce to an internal temperature of 158°F or higher when possible, especially if cooking for individuals at higher risk for severe illness.   
• If possible, cook leafy greens before eating.    
• High-risk patients such as pregnant women, older individuals, and those with underlying health conditions should cook produce when possible (heating to 158°F/70°C). 
• Promptly refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables.   
• Stay up to date on food recalls and outbreaks.  

While cooking is the safest option, carefully washing produce may reduce the risk.   

Common symptoms of cyclosporiasis include frequent, watery diarrhea (sometimes explosive); loss of appetite and weight loss; bloating and stomach cramps; nausea (vomiting is less common); low-grade fever; and fatigue. Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure, though they can start as early as two days or as late as two weeks or more afterward. If untreated, illness can last from a few days to a month or longer and may go away and come back.   

People experiencing sudden and persistent diarrhea, particularly watery or explosive diarrhea, are encouraged to contact their healthcare professional, who can discuss getting tested. Because this illness can be prolonged and relapse if untreated, letting your healthcare professional know is important. Cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics along with rest and adequate fluids to maintain hydration. While some people are at higher risk because of underlying health conditions, most people with healthy immune systems will recover from cyclosporiasis without treatment.  

More information about cyclosporiasis is available on CDC’s website.