VDH Media Update

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Cyclosporiasis 

Update: 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and several state public health officials continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to shredded iceberg lettuce in nine states. On July 17, Taylor Farms de Mexico announced that they are voluntarily recalling all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. Recalled lettuce was distributed and sold in multiple states to consumers, restaurants, and retailers, including in Virginia.  

Recalled products include Marketside-brand products available at Walmart described as “Iceberg Salad 12-oz or 24-oz" and “Shredded Lettuce 8-oz or 16-oz" with Best if Used By dates of July 18 to August 3, 2026. The recall from Walmart stores is in several states, including Virginia.  

Other recalled products were distributed to food service customers, and a complete list of those products is included in the recall notice. 

CDC is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to this outbreak. 

As of July 2, 126 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH); this is an increase of 47 cases since last week. VDH is closely monitoring and investigating reported cyclosporiasis cases. Some Virginia cyclosporiasis cases have reported travel to and exposures in states impacted by the large multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak. Virginia is experiencing an increase in cyclosporiasis cases which is expected during the summer months.   

The  VDH Cyclosporiasis webpage page will be updated on Mondays by 10 AM and will include data through the previous Thursday. Data are preliminary and subject to change.   

The cumulative numbers shown on this webpage will not match the number displayed in VDH Monthly Morbidity Surveillance Reports Dashboard. Additionally, it is expected that case counts on the VDH Cyclosporiasis webpage may not match data reported on the CDC webpage due to known lags in case reports, investigations, and differences in data workflows.   

VDH Response: 

• When VDH receives a report of a potential cyclosporiasis case, the local health department talks with the ill person to gather information on when they became sick, their travel history, events attended, restaurants/grocery stores or where the person purchased their foods, and what the person ate before they became sick.  

• This epidemiologic information is then reviewed for any commonalities among cases, which is how we are able to detect outbreaks or foods to investigate further. 

• VDH coordinates with state and federal partners on epidemiologic investigations.  

• Send all questions and interview requests to Logan Anderson at Logan.Anderson@vdh.virginia.gov 

Public Guidance: 

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers who purchased or received recalled iceberg lettuce distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods should discard it immediately and not consume it. Full refunds are also available at the location of purchase. 

To reduce the risk of cyclosporiasis: 

• Do not eat any recalled lettuce.  

• If purchased from a retail store (e.g., grocery store), throw it away or return it to where you bought it.  

• At restaurants, if you do not know the source of the lettuce, ask the restaurant staff. 

• Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled lettuce using hot soapy water or a dishwasher. 

• Consumers, restaurants, and retailers who purchased or received recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico or distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods should discard it immediately and not consume it. 

• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.  

• Wash hands carefully with soap and water before and after food preparation, and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.  

• Travelers, especially to tropical areas, should avoid eating raw or undercooked foods or drinking untreated water. 

Anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis should visit a healthcare provider. They can test for Cyclospora and prescribe the correct treatment if indicated.  

People who have diarrhea should rest and drink plenty of fluids. 

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Back to School Preparation  

Update:

• As back to school preparation is underway, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages families to talk to their healthcare provider to ensure their children are up to date on their routine immunizations. 
• Virginia immunization requirements for school entrance remain unchanged. 
• Vaccinations play a critical role in protecting the health of children, their families, and their communities.   
• This is particularly important as Virginia has experienced an increase in measles cases with an active measles outbreak in Central Virginia.  

Public Guidance:

• Learn about the school vaccine requirements on our webpage.  
• Find a Vaccine Provider  
  • Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC)  - VDH manages over 750 VVFC locations which include our local health departments. These locations provide routine vaccines at little to no cost to children without health insurance or who are on Medicaid. 
  • Local health districts partner with school divisions and communities to offer convenient options for vaccine clinics at schools or community events for families. 
• Get Immunization Records 
  • The Immunization Records Request Portal allows you to view, download, and print immunization records for yourself or your family. 
• Spread the Word  
  • Share VDH’s back to school information and resources with your communities. We have handouts and social media content in multiple languages. 

Send all questions and interview requests to Logan Anderson at logan.anderson@vdh.virginia.gov.