Nearly 7,000 Cyclospora cases have been reported across the US. Health officials are investigating lettuce and salad greens as a possible source while the CDC expects infections to continue rising through August.
The United States is experiencing its largest Cyclospora outbreak in recent years, with nearly 7,000 reported cases across 34 states, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC said 1,645 infections have been laboratory confirmed, while more than 5,100 additional suspected cases remain under investigation. Although no deaths have been reported, hundreds of people have required hospital treatment.
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Health officials believe the total number of infections is likely much higher because many people recover without seeking medical care or testing.
Michigan points to lettuce as possible source
Investigators are still working to identify the exact source of the outbreak, but officials in Michigan, the worst-affected state, say early findings suggest lettuce and salad greens may be responsible.
After conducting more than 1,000 patient interviews, Michigan health authorities found that lettuce frequently appeared in people's food histories before they became ill.
However, officials stressed that no specific supplier, grower or brand has been identified, and other food sources have not been ruled out.
As a precaution, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has advised consumers to:
- Buy whole heads of lettuce instead of bagged salad mixes.
- Remove and discard the outer leaves.
- Wash the remaining leaves thoroughly under clean running water.
- Cook leafy greens when possible, as the parasite is resistant to many routine chemical disinfectants.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a foodborne intestinal illness.
People usually become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, often through produce exposed to contaminated irrigation water.
Unlike some other illnesses, Cyclospora does not spread directly from person to person.
Symptoms include 'explosive' diarrhoea
According to the CDC, symptoms typically appear about one week after exposure and may last for several weeks without treatment.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent watery diarrhoea, sometimes described as explosive
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
The illness is generally not life-threatening and is usually treated with antibiotics.
Cases concentrated in several states
Michigan has reported more than 3,300 infections, making it the centre of the outbreak.
Other states reporting significant numbers include:Ohio, New York, Illinois, North Carolina, Indiana, Texas and New Jersey.
Federal investigators believe cases in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia may be connected through a common source, although the nationwide outbreak may involve multiple unrelated food sources.
Taco Bell removes some ingredients as precaution
As investigations continue, Taco Bell announced it had temporarily removed limited ingredients at selected restaurants as a precautionary measure.
The company said it is closely monitoring guidance from public health authorities.
However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not identified Taco Bell or any particular retailer or supplier as the source of the outbreak.
Investigation continues
The CDC expects reported infections to continue increasing through August, as symptoms can take days or even weeks to appear after exposure.
Federal agencies, including the CDC and FDA, are continuing traceback investigations involving multiple produce items in an effort to identify the source and prevent additional illnesses.
Published: 15 Jul 2026, 11:27 am IST
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