Public Health Updates as of July 22, 2026

To keep the community updated on public health developments, the Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) will provide regular updates on its website and in a dedicated space in the city’s daily email. Look for a recap of important public health information every other week.

Cyclospora

There has been an increase in Cyclospora cases in the U.S., particularly in midwestern states. Massachusetts has not seen a similar increase. The most common symptom of Cyclospora is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms include weight loss, not feeling hungry, bloating, lots of gas, cramps, nausea, and fatigue. 

On July 17, Taylor Farms de Mexico of Guanajuato, Mexico voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market, because it has been linked to the outbreak in the Midwest. Taylor Fresh Foods distributed recalled iceberg products from June 29 through July 16 to food service locations (e.g. restaurants) in many states, including Massachusetts. If you have symptoms of cyclosporiasis, contact your healthcare provider to report symptoms and receive care, especially if you ate shredded iceberg lettuce in the two weeks before you got sick.

The FDA notes that this is an ongoing investigation and more information will be provided once it becomes available. Currently, Massachusetts rates of the illness remain low, but CPHD still recommends that residents follow the recall’s guidance. CPHD investigates all reported cases of reportable disease among residents, including Cyclospora, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. CPHD will continue to update the public as needed if risk increases in our area. 

Air Quality

With wildfires in Canada recently causing poor air quality in Cambridge, CPHD recommends that residents check the air quality using AirNow.gov before going outside. This is especially important for people who are vulnerable to poor air quality, such as people with certain medical conditions, children, and older adults. When the air quality is very poor, think about moving activities inside, wearing a N95 mask when outside, and avoiding activities that increase indoor particle level like burning candles or frying food. Learn more on CPHD’s website and Massachusetts’ website. 

West Nile Virus Update

This month, the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) has been confirmed by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in mosquito samples collected in Boston and Newton. While the risk level for WNV in Cambridge is still low, CPHD still recommends Cambridge residents to take measures that prevent mosquito bites. These include using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and socks when outdoors, and draining standing water around the outside of your house. Learn more at CPHD’s website. 

Recall

PT Organics Limited is voluntarily recalling select Pumpkin Tree Peter Rabbit Organics Banana & Strawberry pouches because of an internal packaging defect that may result in the presence of a strand of soft, food-grade plastic in the product. The products were sold nationwide at stores including Target.