Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Now Linked to 9 States, CDC Says

The recent outbreak has now been tied to iceberg lettuce in Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, the CDC said Friday.

Audrey Simons

Published: 7/24/2026, 11:51:55 AM EDT

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Now Linked to 9 States, CDC Says — A Taylor Farms sign is displayed at one of their facilities in Salinas, Calif., on July 17, 2026. (Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images)

An outbreak of cyclosporiasis has now been linked to iceberg lettuce in nine states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday.

The outbreak of infections caused by the parasite Cyclospora was initially identified in five states—Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia—but has since expanded to include Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, according to an update from the agency.

The multistate outbreak has now sickened 1,947 people, at least 98 of whom had to be hospitalized, the CDC said. However, the agency noted that the actual number of illnesses is likely higher than reported and may extend beyond the states with known cases. No deaths have been recorded as of Friday morning.

Cyclosporiasis is contracted by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with the parasite Cyclospora. The parasitic infection affects the gastrointestinal tract and can cause a range of symptoms that usually begin about one week after infection, including diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The illness is not usually life-threatening, but symptoms can persist for weeks or longer without treatment.

Cases of cyclosporiasis tied to the recent outbreak were first reported on June 22, with additional cases confirmed through July 20. The CDC said health officials are continuing to investigate the source of the outbreak and are interviewing people about foods they consumed in the two weeks leading up to them becoming ill. According to the agency, many of those affected reported eating Taco Bell products before getting sick, and investigators have linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce.

"Epidemiologic and traceback data continue to show that iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico was contaminated with Cyclospora and has made people sick," the CDC said. "Do not eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. If you purchased recalled lettuce, throw it out or return it."

On July 17, Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of lettuce grown in central Mexico, which was distributed across 27 states from June 29 through July 16.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration initially reported that a sample of the company's iceberg lettuce had tested positive for cyclospora but later determined that the result was a false positive. However, the agency said Friday that the revised finding does not change the basis for its ongoing outbreak investigation.

"FDA's traceback investigation and outbreak data continue to converge on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms from growers in central Mexico," the agency added. "We encourage the public to continue to avoid all products listed in Taylor Farms' voluntary recall."