2 Oregon residents sickened in possible link to nationwide Cyclospora outbreak - KATU

What the report says

KATU reported that two Oregon residents have confirmed Cyclospora infections that may be connected to a multistate foodborne illness outbreak tied to recalled pre-shredded iceberg lettuce. The report, citing the Oregon Health Authority, said both people had recently traveled to states associated with the nationwide recall. Officials have not released additional information about the patients.

According to KATU, OHA said the risk to the broader Oregon public remains low because the recalled lettuce, voluntarily removed from shelves on July 17, was not reported as distributed in Oregon. Health officials also emphasized that Cyclospora is not passed directly from one person to another, reducing the risk of casual transmission.

Oregon has not seen an unusual increase in cyclosporiasis cases, KATU reported. The state has recorded 23 cases so far this year, compared with 26 in 2025, 30 in 2024, 10 in 2023, eight in 2022 and 14 in 2021. Still, officials cautioned that additional outbreak-linked infections could be identified as travelers return from affected areas or as investigators look into other possible contaminated products.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that can cause intestinal illness, often associated with contaminated food or water. OHA advised basic food-safety steps, including frequent handwashing, cleaning food preparation surfaces, rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water before use, and cooking foods to safe temperatures.