Cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads to 34 states with 1,645 confirmed cases
A parasitic infection called cyclosporiasis is spreading across the United States at an unusually high rate for this time of year. As of mid-July 2026, the CDC has confirmed 1,645 cases in 34 states since May 1st, with another 5,100 cases awaiting confirmation. One major outbreak cluster in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky includes over 400 cases linked to contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants from Mexico. Michigan has been hit hardest with thousands of cases reported. The illness, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, leads to severe watery diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue lasting days to weeks. About 141 people have required hospitalization, but no deaths have been reported. The parasite spreads through food and water contaminated with human feces. Investigation is ongoing to identify other possible sources of infection across the country. Cooking food to 158 degrees Fahrenheit kills the parasite, making proper food preparation the best defense.
Key facts
- As of July 13, 2026, 1,645 lab-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in 34 states since May 1
- Additional 5,100 cases awaiting analysis to confirm domestically-acquired status
- 2026 cases exceed 2025 full-year total of 2,700 cases by more than 6 times
- Large outbreak cluster of 400+ cases in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky with lettuce connection
- Shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell linked to 5-state outbreak
- 141 hospitalizations reported, zero deaths
- Median age of patients is 44 years, 56% female
- Symptoms typically begin 1-14 days after exposure including watery diarrhea, weight loss, nausea, fatigue
- Parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with infected person's feces
- Cooking to 158 degrees Fahrenheit kills Cyclospora parasite
Limits of this briefing
True case numbers likely much higher due to underdiagnosis and underreporting, as some infected people recover without medical care. Sources of other state outbreaks beyond the Taco Bell lettuce outbreak remain unidentified.
Sources
- CDC: Domestically Acquired Cyclosporiasis Cases in Multiple U.S. States, 2026 Centre
- TODAY (NBC): Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Map and Foods to Avoid as Parasite Reaches 34 States Centre
- CNN: What food is safe to eat and what to avoid as cyclosporiasis outbreak surges Centre
- NPR: What to know about cyclosporiasis, the intestinal illness hitting the U.S. Centre
- Infection Control Today: Cyclosporiasis Outbreak 2026: 1,645 Confirmed Cases in 34 States Centre