by: Shiina LoSciuto, Leah Crowley
Posted: Jul 22, 2026 / 06:35 PM EDT
Updated: Jul 22, 2026 / 09:28 PM EDT
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EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Fear of contracting an illness that’s gained attention for its unsavory symptoms is hurting at least one local business.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, those infected with cyclospora may experience “watery diarrhea” and “explosive bowel movements.” If not treated, the illness can last for a few days or more than a month.
While health officials are still investigating, the multi-state outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce.
Taylor Farms has initiated a recall of all its iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The company’s products were sold both in retail stores and restaurants, including some Taco Bell locations.
The CDC notes that it is looking into other outbreaks of the parasite that are unrelated to the outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce.
Rhode Island is not included in the multi-state outbreak the CDC is tracking, but it appears as though people eating less greens as a result.
“I’m going to be honest, I have stopped ordering salads at restaurants,” one person told 12 News Wednesday in Providence.
When asked if the outbreak has affected their diet, another person admitted to avoiding greens.
Josh D’Abate, the owner of Wayland Fresh on Waterman Street in Providence, said there is lettuce in about 75% of his restaurant’s menu.
When the news of the parasite dropped, so did his business.
“We’re down 45-to-50% in sales,” D’Abate said. “It’s tough as a owner and operator here to see that the national narrative is really hurting businesses locally.”
Rhode Island Department of Health spokesperson Joseph Wendelken told 12 News on Wednesday that nine cases of the virus have been identified in the state so far, an increase from the six cases announced last week.
Wendelken noted that this rise in cases locally is no cause for alarm.
“We are still not seeing an abnormally high number of cases in Rhode Island,” Wendelken explained. “There is no indication that any of the 2026 cases are associated with cyclosporiasis clusters in other states or with a common food source.”
For comparison, there were six cases of cyclosporiasis identified in Rhode Island in 2025 and 12 identified in 2024.
D’Abate wants everyone to know that not all lettuce is tainted. He emphasized that he knows exactly where the greens on his menu are coming from.
“All of the produce that we can get is sourced locally … It’s not bagged lettuce, it’s fresh cut in store. We use a farm out of Massachusetts as well that does hydroponic lettuce,” D’Abate explained. “If it didn’t feel safe, I wouldn’t have my kids eat it.”
Learn more about cyclosporiasis and how to avoid contracting it here.
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