Cyclosporiasis Outbreak linked to an Unknown Source

United States

Update July 19th, 2026:
The FDA has issued a correction regarding its investigation into the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce. After further laboratory review, the agency determined that a lettuce sample initially believed to be positive for Cyclospora was a false positive and does not represent a confirmed detection of the parasite. As of July 19, no product samples have tested positive for Cyclospora.

Despite this, the FDA continues to identify Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier linked through traceback investigations to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations associated with illnesses. The agency is continuing to work with the company to ensure the implicated lettuce has been removed from the market while product testing and the investigation continue.

On July 17, Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market and initiated a recall. This includes certain Marketside-brand iceberg salad and shredded lettuce products sold at Walmart, along with additional food service products distributed to commercial customers.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Source: FDA


Update July 16th 2026:
FDA has released outbreak-specific numbers in the ongoing cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell. Across five states (IN, KY, MI, OH, WV), 1,644 Cyclospora cases have been reported among people with Taco Bell exposure — onset dates May 13–July 13, 2026, with 94 hospitalizations and no deaths. These are a subset of the cases identified nationwide.

New in this update: Michigan's analysis of 190 Taco Bell cases found 90% had eaten iceberg lettuce, and FDA is now working directly with the identified Mexican lettuce supplier to determine whether contaminated product is still on the market — collecting samples for testing and increasing screening at the border.
The investigation is ongoing, and FDA notes additional restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels could still be identified.

Source: FDA


Update July 15th, 2026:
The CDC, FDA, and state health officials have opened a multistate investigation linking cyclosporiasis illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. FDA traceback investigators identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by the affected Taco Bell restaurants.

Taco Bell is working to stop using the implicated lettuce while FDA investigates whether the contaminated lettuce was distributed to other locations.

CDC advises consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in the five affected states and recommends seeking medical care if symptoms of cyclosporiasis develop.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Source: CDC


Update July 14th, 2026:
The CDC has reported a significant increase in domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases, with 1,645 laboratory-confirmed illnesses across 34 states, including 141 hospitalizations and no deaths, as of July 13, 2026. The agency also stated it is aware of more than 5,100 additional reported cases that are still under review to determine whether they were acquired within the United States.

The CDC reiterated that these figures do not represent a single nationwide outbreak. Instead, they reflect national surveillance data that includes multiple outbreaks, clusters under investigation, and sporadic cases that have not yet been linked to a common source. However, the agency added that CDC, FDA, and state and local partners are currently investigating a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak, with efforts ongoing to identify and confirm the source or sources of illness.

Health officials also noted that multiple states continue reporting substantially higher case numbers than during the same period in 2025, and that reported case counts are expected to increase further due to reporting delays.

Source: CDC


Update July 10th, 2026:
The CDC has reported a substantial increase in domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases, with 843 confirmed illnesses across 31 states, including 86 hospitalizations and no deaths, as of July 9, 2026. The agency also noted that it is aware of more than 1,500 additional reported cases that are still under review to determine whether they were acquired within the United States.

The CDC emphasized that these figures do not represent a single multistate outbreak, but rather national surveillance data that includes multiple outbreaks, clusters under investigation, and sporadic cases not linked to a common source. State and federal partners, including the FDA, continue investigating several outbreaks to identify potential food sources. The CDC also noted that case counts are expected to continue increasing due to reporting delays and that multiple states have reported significantly higher numbers of cases compared to the same period in 2025.

Source: CDC


Update July 1st, 2026:
The CDC clarified that the reported 145 U.S. cyclosporiasis cases do not represent a single multistate outbreak. Instead, the total reflects national surveillance data that includes multiple clusters under investigation as well as sporadic cases that have not been linked to a common source. CDC, FDA, and state health officials continue investigating potential clusters and food sources. Case totals remain unchanged at 145 illnesses, 20 hospitalizations, no deaths, across 17 states.

Source: CDC


June 25th, 2026:
A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to contaminated food has sickened 145 people across 17 states in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, resulted in 20 hospitalizations but no deaths. Cases were reported between May 1 and June 16, 2026.

The outbreak is part of the annual cyclosporiasis season, which typically sees an increase in cases from May through August. Affected individuals range in age from 5 to 86, with a median age of 42, and 61% of those affected are female. The illness onset dates range from May 1 to June 6, with a median onset date of May 13. Public health authorities, including the CDC and FDA, are actively investigating the outbreak to identify potential food sources responsible for the infections.

The problem was discovered through routine surveillance by the CDC and state health departments, which monitor cyclosporiasis cases year-round. The disease is nationally notifiable, meaning healthcare providers are required to report confirmed cases to local health departments. This surveillance helps in identifying and investigating outbreaks swiftly, allowing for timely public health interventions.

Source: www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/php/surveillance/index.html
Update July 15th, 2026: www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/index.html
Update July 16th, 2026: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-5-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026