The nationwide Cyclospora outbreak has expanded rapidly, with federal health officials now reporting thousands of confirmed infections across most of the United States.
As of July 27, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had received reports of 6,707 laboratory-confirmed, domestically acquired cases across 45 states. At least 423 patients had been hospitalized, and no deaths had been reported. The CDC was also reviewing more than 11,500 additional cases that had not yet been laboratory-confirmed or required further investigation.
However, the national numbers do not all belong to one outbreak.
A specific multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce involved at least 1,947 cases in nine states, with 98 hospitalizations and no deaths as of July 24. The nine states were Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico after federal traceback investigations connected shredded lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants with the outbreak. Other Cyclospora clusters and individual illnesses reported nationally may have separate or still-unidentified sources.
Here is what Americans need to know about the outbreak, the recalled products, the symptoms of infection and the most important food safety precautions.
Latest Cyclospora Outbreak Numbers
The current national figures show a major increase in domestically acquired cyclosporiasis during the 2026 outbreak season.
Between May 1 and July 27, the CDC reported:
- 6,707 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases
- 423 hospitalizations
- No reported deaths
- Cases reported by 45 states
- More than 11,500 additional cases requiring confirmation or analysis
People included in the domestic count became ill after consuming food or water in the United States and did not report international travel during the 14 days before their symptoms began. Patients ranged in age from 1 to 98, with a median age of 44.
The CDC estimates that approximately six weeks may pass between the beginning of a person’s illness and the case being fully reported to federal authorities. The confirmed total may therefore continue rising even after recalled food has been removed from stores and restaurants.
The true number of illnesses is also likely to be higher because some people recover without seeking medical care, while others are not tested specifically for the parasite.
Why the National and Lettuce Outbreak Numbers Are Different
The CDC is investigating several clusters and groups of Cyclospora cases across the country.
The 6,707 national cases include confirmed domestically acquired infections from 45 states. Those illnesses may have resulted from multiple sources.
The 1,947-case lettuce outbreak is a specific subset connected through interviews, restaurant exposure information and supply-chain investigations. Federal authorities linked that outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico.
Federal investigators found that 90% of a group of interviewed Michigan patients who had eaten at Taco Bell reported consuming iceberg lettuce. The FDA’s traceback investigation converged on a single supplier used by the affected restaurant locations.
The FDA later clarified that a lettuce sample initially reported as positive at the border was a false positive. However, officials said that finding did not change the epidemiological and traceback evidence supporting the recall and outbreak investigation.
Which States Are Included in the Lettuce-Linked Outbreak?
The nine states officially included in the iceberg-lettuce outbreak as of July 24 were:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
The outbreak initially included five states before four additional states were added. Illness onset dates for the nine-state outbreak ranged through July 20, 2026.
Cases reported in other states are not automatically part of the same outbreak. Public health investigators must compare food histories, restaurant visits, laboratory findings and other evidence before connecting an illness to a common source.
What Food Has Been Recalled?
Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market on July 17, 2026.
The recall included iceberg lettuce sold to consumers, restaurants, retailers and food-service customers. Recalled products were confirmed as having been distributed in at least 27 states, although the FDA warned that the products might have reached additional locations.
Consumer products listed in the recall included certain Marketside-brand packages available at Walmart:
- 12-ounce and 24-ounce Iceberg Salad
- Best if Used By dates from July 18 through August 3, 2026
- 8-ounce and 16-ounce Shredded Lettuce
- Best if Used By dates from July 18 through August 3, 2026
Additional recalled products were supplied to restaurants and other food-service customers under several product descriptions and brand names. Consumers should consult the current FDA recall notice rather than relying only on the product examples above.
What Should You Do With Recalled Lettuce?
Do not eat any recalled iceberg lettuce.
Consumers who still have a recalled product should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. They should not taste the lettuce to determine whether it is safe because contaminated produce may look, smell and taste normal.
After disposing of recalled lettuce:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Clean containers, refrigerator shelves and drawers that touched the product.
- Wash cutting boards, utensils and countertops with hot, soapy water.
- Use a dishwasher for dishwasher-safe items when available.
- Avoid placing other ready-to-eat food on surfaces that may still be contaminated.
The CDC and FDA specifically advise cleaning and sanitizing surfaces or containers that touched recalled lettuce to reduce cross-contamination.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis.
People become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. U.S. outbreaks have frequently been associated with fresh produce, especially food that is eaten raw and is difficult to wash completely.
Cyclospora is not a bacterium or virus. That distinction matters because ordinary antibacterial cleaning methods may not reliably destroy it.
The illness is also not usually transmitted directly from one person to another. After the parasite is passed in human feces, it generally needs time in the environment before it becomes infectious.
Cyclospora Symptoms to Watch For
Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom of Cyclospora infection. It may be frequent and can continue for an extended period without treatment.
Other common Cyclospora symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Unintended weight loss
- Stomach cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Less common symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Body aches
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
- Other flu-like symptoms
Symptoms usually begin approximately one week after exposure, although they may appear as early as two days or more than two weeks later. Without treatment, the illness can last from several days to a month or longer. Symptoms may improve and then return.
The delayed onset makes outbreak investigations difficult because patients may need to remember everything they ate during the two weeks before becoming ill.
When Should You Contact a Healthcare Provider?
Contact a healthcare professional if you develop prolonged or recurring watery diarrhea, especially if you recently ate recalled lettuce or food from a location included in the outbreak investigation.
Tell the provider about:
- Any recalled food you may have eaten
- Restaurants you visited
- Recent travel
- When your symptoms began
- How often you are experiencing diarrhea
- Whether symptoms disappeared and returned
- Any underlying health conditions or medications
Patients may need to ask specifically for Cyclospora testing. Routine stool tests do not always screen for this parasite, and standard parasite examinations may not detect it reliably.
Seek prompt medical attention for signs of dehydration, including reduced urination, a dry mouth or throat, or dizziness when standing. Frequent diarrhea can cause significant fluid loss, particularly in children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
This article provides general safety information and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
How Is Cyclosporiasis Treated?
The standard treatment for confirmed cyclosporiasis is a prescription antibiotic combination called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, commonly abbreviated as TMP-SMX.
The CDC’s clinical guidance recommends a treatment course for appropriate patients, but the exact dose and duration must be determined by a healthcare professional. Treatment may need to be adjusted for children, pregnant patients, people with weakened immune systems and individuals with medication allergies or other medical conditions.
People should not take leftover antibiotics or attempt to treat themselves without medical guidance.
Most otherwise healthy people eventually recover, but untreated symptoms may continue for weeks and can relapse. Staying hydrated is especially important while experiencing frequent diarrhea.
Can Washing Lettuce Remove Cyclospora?
Washing fresh produce remains an important food safety practice, but it cannot guarantee the complete removal of Cyclospora.
The parasite can be difficult to wash from leafy greens and produce with uneven or delicate surfaces. Routine chemical sanitizers are also unlikely to kill it reliably.
Consumers should:
- Wash their hands before preparing produce.
- Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.
- Remove damaged or bruised areas.
- Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Keep raw produce separate from raw meat and seafood.
- Refrigerate cut or prepared produce promptly.
- Follow all active food recalls.
The CDC says cooking can kill the parasite and advises cooking produce to at least 158°F, or 70°C, when appropriate. However, cooking is not a practical option for every salad or fresh vegetable. Avoiding recalled products remains the most important protective step during an outbreak.
Can Cyclospora Spread From Person to Person?
Direct person-to-person transmission is considered unlikely.
Cyclospora passed in human stool is generally not immediately infectious. The parasite must mature in the environment before it can infect another person. This development period helps explain why outbreaks are more commonly linked to contaminated food or water than to direct household contact.
Normal hygiene is still essential. People should wash their hands carefully after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before preparing or eating food.
Who Faces a Greater Risk of Severe Illness?
Cyclosporiasis can affect anyone who consumes contaminated food or water.
People who may face greater complications from foodborne illness include:
- Young children
- Adults aged 65 or older
- Pregnant people
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
- People with serious chronic health conditions
Diarrhea and reduced food or fluid intake can make dehydration especially dangerous for these groups.
People with weakened immune systems may experience longer or more severe illness and may require an extended treatment plan under medical supervision.
Is It Safe to Eat Lettuce From Other Suppliers?
The federal warning applies specifically to products listed in the Taylor Farms recall, rather than every type of lettuce sold in the United States.
Consumers should check:
- The brand name
- Package size
- Best if Used By date
- Product or lot code
- Store recall notices
- The FDA’s current recall information
When the original package is missing and the product cannot be confidently identified, the safest option is to discard it.
Restaurants and retailers are responsible for removing recalled products from sale, but consumers should continue checking current federal and local alerts because additional distribution channels or products may be identified during an active investigation.
Why Could Cyclospora Case Numbers Continue to Rise?
Several factors can cause reported numbers to increase after a recall:
Delayed Symptoms
Symptoms often begin around a week after exposure and may take two weeks or longer to appear.
Delayed Testing
Patients may initially assume that their symptoms are caused by an ordinary stomach illness. Some wait days before contacting a healthcare provider.
Specialized Laboratory Testing
Routine stool testing may not automatically include Cyclospora. Providers may need to request a specific test.
Public Health Reporting Delays
The CDC estimates that it can take approximately six weeks to connect illness onset with a confirmed federal case report.
Multiple Outbreak Sources
The lettuce-linked outbreak represents only one portion of the national total. Investigators are examining other clusters that may have different food sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Cyclospora cases have been reported in 2026?
As of July 27, the CDC had recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases acquired in the United States across 45 states. More than 11,500 additional cases required confirmation or further analysis.
How many cases are linked to recalled lettuce?
The specific nine-state outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce included at least 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations as of July 24. No deaths had been reported.
Which lettuce was recalled?
Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The recall included certain packaged consumer products and lettuce distributed to restaurants, retailers and food-service businesses.
Is the outbreak connected to Taco Bell?
Federal investigators linked the nine-state outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at affected Taco Bell locations. The FDA traced the lettuce to Taylor Farms de Mexico. Taco Bell agreed to stop using lettuce from the identified supplier during the investigation.
What is the main Cyclospora symptom?
Frequent watery diarrhea is the most common symptom. Other possible symptoms include appetite loss, weight loss, cramping, bloating, nausea and fatigue.
Can Cyclospora be removed by washing produce?
Thorough washing can reduce some contamination risks but cannot guarantee that Cyclospora has been removed. Consumers should never eat a recalled product, even after washing it.
Does Cyclospora spread between people?
Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely because the parasite generally requires time in the environment before becoming infectious.
Is there a treatment for Cyclospora infection?
Yes. A prescription antibiotic combination called TMP-SMX is the standard treatment for appropriate patients. Diagnosis and treatment should be managed by a healthcare professional.
Final Thoughts
The Cyclospora outbreak 2026 has become a significant national food safety concern, with 6,707 confirmed domestic cases reported across 45 states by July 27.
The most important distinction is that not all national cases have been connected to the recalled iceberg lettuce. The specific lettuce-linked outbreak includes 1,947 illnesses in nine states, while federal and state investigators continue examining other cases and possible sources.
Consumers should check refrigerators for recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce, dispose of affected products, clean surfaces that may have touched the lettuce and watch for prolonged watery diarrhea or other symptoms.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a healthcare provider, mention possible food exposure and ask whether specific Cyclospora testing is appropriate. Because reporting can take several weeks, the confirmed case count may continue to increase as the investigation develops.
