In May of 2026, talk of a Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce reached the masses. Reports of stomach problems and diarrhea were shared by those affected by the parasite, and lettuce from Taylor Farms was recalled. Two months later, people are still getting sick, and even more are avoiding lettuce as a precaution.
As of August 12, 2026, cases of Cyclosporiasis have reached 24,000. According to CDC data, the number of cases has begun to slow, with only 2,000 cases reported this week compared with 22,000 the week before.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes a form of food poisoning called cyclosporiasis. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually occur a week after ingesting the parasite. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms include diarrhea, a loss of appetite, bloating, fatigue, low-grade fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
If you have a healthy immune system, cyclosporiasis may go away on its own. Staying hydrated, avoiding caffeinated beverages and alcohol, and eating food can help your body go back to normal. If none of these tips help, antibiotics can speed up your recovery.
If you find yourself having diarrhea multiple times a day, it is time to see a healthcare professional. If not treated, you may become severely dehydrated, experience electrolyte imbalance, and a loss of fluid volume in your body. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics to kill Cyclospora, as well as antidiarrheal medications to help prevent dehydration and retain nutrients.
Prevention
Cyclosporiasis can be prevented in some ways. By cooking your fruits and veggies to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit, washing or peeling your produce before eating it, and washing your hands after using the bathroom and during all steps of food prep.
How AFSPA Can Help
If you think you may have cyclosporiasis, it is best to see a doctor. If you aren’t feeling up to leaving the house, you can see a doctor using Telehealth. You can also use Telehealth services if you are experiencing anxiety or stress about the cyclosporiasis outbreak. For Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) members living stateside, you can use Teladoc Health to schedule a telehealth appointment.
You can see the following specialties through Teladoc Health:
Teladoc Health is free to use, and there is no wait to be seen. No appointment is necessary, and your prescriptions can be sent to a pharmacy of your choice.
You can contact Teladoc Health by phone, web or through the Aetna Health mobile app and receive treatment within minutes for non-emergency medical needs. For more information regarding telehealth consultations, please call 1-855-Teladoc (855-835-2362) or visit teladoc.com.
If you’re living overseas, you can use vHealth to schedule an appointment for General Medicine. The benefits of using vHealth are:
For more information on registering and scheduling an appointment with vHealth, click here.
