Arkansas cyclosporiasis cases reach 123 as lettuce investigation continues

Arkansas reported 123 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of Thursday, July 30, with 75 cases in Benton County and 13 in Washington County. The total was 31 higher than the count reported July 27, according to Arkansas Department of Health data reported by KAIT/KY3.

The increase comes as federal officials investigate a nine-state Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The recalled product was distributed to Arkansas food-service customers and sold at select Walmart stores in the state. Officials have not established that all 123 Arkansas cases came from that lettuce.

Northwest Arkansas has the largest concentration

Benton County accounts for most of Arkansas’ confirmed cases. Washington County has the second-highest total, with 13 cases.

Fewer than 10 cases were reported in each of Boone, Carroll, Crawford, Faulkner, Marion, Miller, Pulaski, Saline, Sebastian and Van Buren counties. The distribution makes Northwest Arkansas the main concentration, but the reported cases extend across multiple Arkansas counties.

The Arkansas Department of Health said the state’s increase is partly associated with an ongoing multistate outbreak. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and can result from contaminated food or water.

Arkansas cases are not the same as the federal outbreak count

The FDA and CDC say the federal investigation includes illnesses reported in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Arkansas is listed as a state where recalled product was distributed, not as one of the nine states in the federal case count.

As of the federal update dated July 24, the CDC reported at least 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations among people in those nine states who reported Taco Bell exposure. No deaths had been reported. Federal officials said those illnesses are only a subset of Cyclospora infections identified nationwide and that other illnesses may be unrelated to the lettuce investigation.

State and federal totals may not match because of reporting timelines and case classifications. The FDA says state data may include probable and confirmed cases or initial reports not yet sent to the CDC, while federal totals use a narrower case count. National surveillance numbers also include illnesses outside this particular investigation.

The FDA investigation remains open. Federal officials say epidemiological and traceback evidence points to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, but the FDA reported no confirmed positive product sample as of July 19. The recall is therefore based on the broader investigation and evidence connecting the product to illnesses, not on a confirmed positive test from every recalled item or every patient.

What Arkansas residents should do

Residents should check whether they purchased or received recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The recall includes Marketside products sold at select Walmart stores, as well as products distributed to food-service customers.

Do not eat recalled products. Throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Clean and sanitize containers, cutting boards, refrigerator areas and other surfaces that may have touched the lettuce. The CDC recommends washing items and surfaces with hot, soapy water or using a dishwasher when appropriate.

The FDA lists Marketside iceberg salad packages of 12 or 24 ounces with “Best if Used By” dates from July 18 through Aug. 3, 2026, and shredded lettuce packages of 8 or 16 ounces with dates from July 18 through Aug. 3, 2026. Residents should use the complete recall notice to check package details, lot information and other affected food-service products.

Symptoms and testing

Common symptoms include watery or frequent diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas and nausea. Symptoms usually begin about one week after infection but can appear as soon as two days or more than two weeks later. Without treatment, symptoms can last from a few days to a month or longer and may return after improving.

People with persistent or frequent watery diarrhea should contact a health care provider and ask whether Cyclospora testing is appropriate, particularly if they ate recalled shredded iceberg lettuce before becoming sick. Routine stool tests do not always screen for the parasite. Staying well-hydrated is important because prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration.

Residents should wash fresh produce under running water, but washing alone cannot guarantee removal of Cyclospora. Soap, bleach and household cleaners should not be used on food.

What remains unresolved

Arkansas officials have not linked every confirmed case to the recalled lettuce, and lettuce has not been established as the only possible source of infection in the state. The FDA also says additional implicated brands, restaurants, retailers or distribution channels could be identified as the investigation continues.

Because public health officials are still reviewing reports and exposures, Arkansas case totals and federal product guidance may change. Residents with symptoms should contact a health care provider and follow updates from the Arkansas Department of Health, FDA and CDC.

Sources

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