Cyclospora Outbreak 2026: 6,358 Cases Linked to Recalled Iceberg Lettuce

The 2026 cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has grown to 6,358 confirmed cases across 15 states, with 278 hospitalizations and two deaths, according to the latest CDC and FDA updates. The multistate outbreak, traced to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico on July 17, is one of the largest foodborne illness investigations of the year. Here is everything you need to know about cyclospora symptoms, recalled products, and how to protect yourself.

Cyclospora Outbreak 2026: The Big Picture

Federal health officials first flagged the outbreak in early July after clusters of cyclosporiasis — the diarrheal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis — were reported in the Midwest. Since then, the investigation has expanded dramatically. On August 5, CDC expanded the case definition to include people who reported exposure to Taco Bell or recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce, adding six new states.

Fast facts from CDC and FDA:

• 6,358 laboratory-confirmed cases in 15 states
• 278 hospitalizations
• 2 deaths, both in Michigan in people with significant underlying health conditions
• Illness onset dates range from June 22 to July 31, 2026
• States affected: Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia
• Recalled lettuce was distributed to at least 27 states, including Taco Bell locations and Marketside-brand salads at select Walmart stores

The true number of illnesses is almost certainly higher. Many people recover without seeking medical care or being tested, and it can take up to six weeks for officials to confirm whether a sick person is part of the outbreak.

What Is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a single-celled parasite that is invisible to the naked eye. People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, cyclospora does not spread directly from person to person — the parasite must mature in the environment before it can cause illness.

Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure, though the incubation period can range from two days to more than two weeks.

What Was Recalled and Where?

On July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The recall includes:

• Marketside-brand Iceberg Salad (12-oz or 24-oz) sold at select Walmart stores
• Marketside-brand Shredded Lettuce (8-oz or 16-oz)
• Multiple additional lots distributed to restaurants and food service customers
• Best-if-used-by dates of July 18 through August 3, 2026

Taco Bell, a major buyer of the recalled product, stated it stopped using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico as of July 17. The best-by dates for recalled products have now passed, and they should no longer be on store shelves. However, officials urge consumers to check their homes: if you still have any recalled lettuce, do not eat it. Throw it away or return it for a full refund, and wash any surfaces or containers that touched it with hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher.

Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection

Common symptoms include:

• Watery diarrhea (often with frequent bowel movements)
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Stomach cramps and pain
• Bloating and increased gas
• Nausea and fatigue
• Vomiting, body aches, headache, and fever in some cases

Without treatment, symptoms can last from a few days to a month or longer, and may seem to go away and then return. People with weakened immune systems can experience more severe, longer-lasting illness. Dehydration is a serious risk, especially in young children and older adults — if you are sick, stay well hydrated.

Testing and Treatment

If you have symptoms — particularly if you ate shredded iceberg lettuce in the two weeks before you got sick — contact your healthcare provider. Routine stool tests do not always screen for this parasite, so you may need to specifically request testing for Cyclospora.

Cyclosporiasis is treatable. Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Prompt testing and treatment can shorten the illness and prevent complications.

How to Protect Yourself

• Do not eat any recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce — check your fridge and throw it out or return it
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food
• Wash all fresh produce under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking
• Remember that washing alone cannot guarantee removal of cyclospora — cooking produce to at least 158°F (70°C) kills the parasite
• Keep up to date on food recalls and outbreak notices from FDA and CDC

What About Lettuce Now?

There are signs the outbreak is easing. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has reported declining cyclospora cases, and lettuce is back on the menu at Michigan restaurants. Still, because of the reporting lag, officials expect confirmed case counts to keep climbing for several more weeks even as new infections taper off.

CDC is also investigating additional cyclospora illnesses nationwide that are unrelated to this outbreak, so the parasite remains a food safety concern beyond any single product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What foods are linked to the 2026 cyclospora outbreak?
A: Iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico, including Marketside-brand salads at Walmart and lettuce distributed to Taco Bell locations. Cyclospora can also spread through other types of fresh produce, so always wash produce thoroughly.

Q: How long after eating contaminated lettuce do symptoms start?
A: Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure, but can start as soon as two days or as late as two or more weeks afterward.

Q: Can washing lettuce remove cyclospora?
A: Washing under running water reduces risk but cannot guarantee removal of the parasite. Cooking produce to at least 158°F (70°C) kills cyclospora.

Q: Is cyclospora contagious from person to person?
A: No. Cyclospora does not spread directly from person to person; infection comes from contaminated food or water.

Q: Should I get tested if I feel fine but ate recalled lettuce?
A: If you have no symptoms, testing is generally not needed. If you develop watery diarrhea, fatigue, or other symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and ask about cyclospora testing.

Sources: CDC Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Investigation (August 2026 update), FDA Outbreak Investigation Notice (August 5, 2026 update), Taylor Fresh Foods recall notice.