By Michael Borchetta, DO
National news reports of a surge in Cyclospora infections have left many parents thinking twice about loading up a shopping cart with produce out of fear they’ll bring the diarrhea-causing parasite home to their families on fresh lettuce or fruit.
In a recent development, a national produce supplier issued a voluntary recall of specific lettuce products grown in central Mexico based on initial information provided by health officials. (Please see the recall details below.)
As the situation evolves, parents should be on the lookout for symptoms of cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora infection), throw away any potentially contaminated produce, and handle all other fresh fruit and vegetables properly before eating.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a parasite that can infect the intestinal tracts of people when they eat food or drink water contaminated with the organism. Contamination of food usually occurs when water containing the parasite is used to irrigate produce during farming.
Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis occur each year, usually from May through August. This year’s outbreak is larger than typical, with 12,000 people to date (as of late July 2026) confirmed or suspected of having the infection across 41 states. This is the largest outbreak since 2019, when 4,700 people were infected.
Are Symptoms Different for Kids?
Symptoms of Cyclospora infection are generally the same for adults and children and include watery diarrhea, explosive stools, nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, stomach cramps and pain. Children with compromised immune systems and infants may experience severe and prolonged symptoms. Symptoms typically appear about one week after exposure (range several days to 2 weeks or more).
Treatment of Cyclospora in Kids
While Cyclospora infection typically resolves on its own in most healthy children, untreated symptoms can last for days to months. An antibiotic is recommended for quicker resolution of symptoms.
When and Where to Seek Medical Care
If your child has diarrhea, watch for signs of dehydration, which can be a medical emergency. Dehydration symptoms include dry mouth, crying without tears, urinating with less frequency or urine that is darker than usual.
If diarrhea in a young child persists for more than 24 to 48 hours or if warning signs of dehydration appear, contact your pediatrician or visit a pediatric urgent care center or pediatric Emergency Department near you. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital offers urgent care centers and emergency care in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. For locations, please visit Nicklauschidrens.org/Locations.
About the Voluntary Recall
Based on initial information provided by health officials, produce supplier Taylor Fresh Foods issued a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico. The suspected lettuce product has been sold and distributed to restaurants and supermarket chains in 27 states, including Florida.
Be sure to remove any potentially affected products from your refrigerator and discard.
For specifics on recalled products, please visit:
Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce in 5 States | Cyclosporiasis | CDC
How to Reduce the Risk of Cyclospora Infection
Proper handling of fresh fruit and vegetables can protect your family from cyclospora infection.
- Wash hands before preparing food.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables under running water before consuming.
- Buy whole heads of lettuce instead of bagged salad mixes. Remove the outer two to three leaves and discard them then rinse the remaining leaves under running water.
- Remember to wash melon rinds and cucumber skins even though you don’t eat them. If not washed, Cyclospora on the rind or skin can contaminate the fruit when it’s cut with a knife.
- Wash berries and fresh herbs under running water just before eating.
- Offer cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus. Cooking washed produce to a minimum internal temperature of 158 degrees destroys the cyclospora parasite.
Dr. Michael Borchetta is a board-certified pediatrician who provides care at Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Urgent Care Centers.