California is currently clear of the cyclosporiasis outbreak, health department declares

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and local health departments are actively monitoring California cyclosporiasis cases in raw and fresh produce as increased cases in 15 states have been identified. 

According to the CDPH, if an increase in cases or a potential outbreak is identified, the case exposures are reviewed to determine if there is a common source of infection. 

At this time, no cyclosporiasis outbreaks in California have been identified.

The recalled iceberg lettuce that many may have heard of is linked to the cyclosporiasis outbreak in the Midwest and was not distributed to California.

Despite no cyclosporiasis outbreaks in California, CDPH recommends that people still take preemptive measures when eating raw fruits and vegetables. 

Some of those recommendations include:

• Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables. 

• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking. Scrub firm produce (like melons and cucumbers) with a clean produce brush. 

• Remove and discard outer leaves from lettuce and leafy greens. 

• For vulnerable populations (older adults, young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals), cook vegetables and herbs whenever practical. 

• Prevent cross-contamination: Use clean cutting boards, utensils and food-contact surfaces. Keep ready-to-eat foods separate from raw produce during preparation. 

• Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours). 

• Avoid food or water that may be contaminated by human feces, especially when traveling to countries where tap water or food may be unsafe. 

Despite the outbreak not being declared in California, a major multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak spanning 15 states, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, has led to over 18,000 total reported or suspected cases and two associated deaths, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

On July 17, 2026, the CDC initiated a recall of all Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. 

According to the CDC, symptoms of people infected with Cyclospora include diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue vomiting, body aches, headaches and fever. Additionally, some people who are infected may not experience any symptoms. 

For more information about recalls by federal agencies, please see the FDA’s Recalls, Outbreaks & Emergencies webpage, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Recalls & Public Health Alerts webpage.