Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Expands Across 41 US States; Lettuce Linked to Major Cluster
An unprecedented parasitic infection outbreak tied to contaminated lettuce has sickened over 6,700 confirmed Americans and tens of thousands more suspected cases across 41 states. Families are advised to exercise caution with fresh produce, especially iceberg lettuce from Mexico.
What's Happening
Since May 1, 2026, CDC has received reports of 6,707 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis, with more than 11,500 additional cases that are not laboratory confirmed or require further investigation. CDC is investigating multiple clusters of Cyclospora cases, including one multistate outbreak affecting 9 states linked to iceberg lettuce.
On July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, the nation's largest produce supplier. Many of the additional cases have been reported by Michigan and Ohio.
Symptoms and Prevention
The most common symptoms include watery diarrhea, which can be frequent, along with loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, nausea, and fatigue, with less common symptoms including low-grade fever and vomiting. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically begin about 1 week after exposure.
Previous outbreaks have been linked to consuming contaminated fresh produce, and cyclosporiasis calls for antibiotics as well as copious fluids to avoid dehydration.
What This Means for Newcomers
If you've recently purchased iceberg lettuce or other bagged salad greens, especially those from Taylor Farms or sourced from central Mexico, check the recall notice and discard contaminated products. When buying fresh produce at US supermarkets, wash your vegetables thoroughly before eating. This outbreak is still spreading, with the summer cyclosporiasis season continuing through August 31—exercise extra caution if you consume uncooked salads and leafy greens, and seek medical attention immediately if you develop severe or persistent diarrhea.
Sources
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