CDC Reports Massive Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Taco Bell Lettuce – 1,947 Cases Across 9 States

CDC Reports Massive Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Taco Bell Lettuce — 1,947 Confirmed Cases Across 9 States

The largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in United States history continues to expand, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now reporting nearly 2,000 confirmed cases across nine states linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants.

As of July 25, 2026, the CDC has confirmed 1,947 cases of Cyclospora infection connected to the ongoing outbreak, with at least 98 hospitalizations. While no deaths have been reported, public health officials warn the true number of infections is likely far higher due to underdiagnosis and underreporting.

Which States Are Affected?

The outbreak has now spread beyond its original five-state footprint. Confirmed cases have been reported in:

• Original states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia
• Newly added states: Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania

The CDC continues to monitor for additional cases and advises consumers in affected states to exercise caution.

Source of the Outbreak: Taylor Farms Shredded Lettuce

Epidemiological and traceback investigations conducted by the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have converged on a single supplier: Taylor Farms de Mexico, which provided shredded iceberg lettuce to Taco Bell locations where sick individuals ate before becoming ill.

Ingredient-level analysis of meals eaten by 190 confirmed cases in Michigan found that 90% reported eating iceberg lettuce, providing strong statistical evidence linking the produce to the infections.

In response, Taylor Farms has voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. The recall extends well beyond Taco Bell, affecting:

• Marketside-brand lettuce sold at Walmart locations
• Jack in the Box restaurants
• Food-service distributors across 27 states

Taco Bell has announced it will stop using the affected lettuce “indefinitely”, and CEO Sean Tresvant issued an open letter to customers pledging transparency throughout the investigation.

A National Problem: 4,100+ Cases Nationwide

Beyond the Taco Bell-linked outbreak, the United States is experiencing an exceptionally heavy Cyclospora season in 2026. The CDC reports more than 4,100 confirmed cases across 41 states since May 1, with an additional 7,400 illnesses still under investigation. More than 300 people have been hospitalized nationwide.

Michigan has been hit particularly hard, with state health officials reporting at least 8,100 cases and 160 hospitalizations as of July 24 — making it the epicenter of what experts describe as an unprecedented Cyclospora year.

What Is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, Cyclospora is not transmitted from person to person. Infection occurs when a person consumes food or water contaminated with the parasite.

Key symptoms include:

• Explosive, watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite and weight loss

One distinctive feature of cyclosporiasis is its tendency to cause symptoms that come and go in cycles. Patients may feel better for a few days only to experience a relapse, which can make diagnosis challenging.

How Does Cyclospora Contaminate Food?

The Cyclospora parasite spreads through fecal contamination. Produce can become contaminated when:

• Water sources such as reservoirs or irrigation systems contain feces or sewage
• Farm workers fail to practice proper hand hygiene after using the bathroom

The parasite requires one to two weeks outside the body to become infectious after being passed in a bowel movement, which means freshly contaminated produce may not immediately pose a risk.

What Consumers Should Do

Public health officials emphasize that there is no need to panic, but consumers should take sensible precautions:

• Avoid shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in the affected states
• Wash all produce thoroughly — even items labeled “prewashed”
• Cook vegetables when possible, as heat effectively kills the parasite
• Monitor symptoms if you have eaten at Taco Bell recently

Dr. Jade Le, infectious diseases service line chief at Access TeleCare, advises: “I would not avoid eating any types of salads, herbs, fresh fruits and vegetables. Continue to eat those products, but just be aware if you’re in a state where there’s been an outbreak.”

FDA Investigation Complications

The investigation has not been without complications. Earlier this week, the FDA announced that an initial positive test for Cyclospora in a sample of shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms had been a false positive. However, the agency quickly clarified that this does not change the overwhelming epidemiological evidence linking the lettuce to the outbreak.

“This false-positive lab sample DOES NOT change the basis for FDA’s ongoing outbreak investigation or the overwhelming epidemiological data supporting the current voluntary recall by Taylor Farms,” the FDA stated on social media.

Taylor Farms confirmed that the FDA had apologized for the error, but the company reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with public health authorities and keeping recalled products off the market.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience watery diarrhea lasting more than a few days — especially with stomach cramps or low-grade fever — contact your healthcare provider. Cyclosporiasis is diagnosed through stool testing, though patients may need to submit multiple samples collected on different days because the parasite can be difficult to detect.

Dr. Le recommends being specific with your doctor: “Ask them, ‘Can you please order a test that checks for Cyclospora?’ Some common stool tests may not specifically check for this parasite.”

Most people recover with rest and plenty of fluids. However, immunocompromised individuals may require antibiotic treatment. The primary health risk is severe dehydration, which can lead to hospitalization if symptoms are left untreated for too long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cyclospora spread from person to person?

No. Cyclospora is not transmitted directly from person to person. Infection occurs only through consuming contaminated food or water. The parasite needs time outside the body — typically one to two weeks — to become infectious after being passed in stool.

How long does Cyclospora illness last?

Symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks if left untreated. One hallmark of the infection is that symptoms may improve temporarily and then return. Patients often report cycles of feeling better followed by relapse.

Is it safe to eat lettuce from the grocery store?

Yes, with precautions. The CDC specifically warns against shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served at Taco Bell in the affected states. For all other produce, thorough washing is recommended. Cooking vegetables provides the most effective protection as heat kills the parasite.

What makes this outbreak different from previous Cyclospora outbreaks?

This is the largest Cyclospora outbreak ever recorded in the United States, both in terms of case numbers and geographic spread. With nearly 2,000 confirmed cases linked to a single restaurant chain and more than 4,100 cases nationally, the scale is unprecedented.

Is there a vaccine for Cyclospora?

No. There is no vaccine for Cyclosporiasis. Prevention relies entirely on food safety practices: properly washing produce, cooking foods when possible, and avoiding contaminated products during outbreaks.