The CDC reports more than 18,000 cyclosporiasis cases across 45 states, including 6,707 laboratory-confirmed infections and 423 hospitalizations. Over 11,500 additional reports are under review, with many from Michigan and Ohio linked to recalled iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico. The recalled lettuce was distributed June 29–July 16 with best-if-used-by dates through Aug. 3. Officials note reporting delays and the parasite's summer peak can affect counts; ages range from 1 to 98 and no deaths have been reported.
CDC: Over 18,000 Cyclosporiasis Cases Reported Across 45 States — Investigation Links Many to Recalled Lettuce
CDC - PHOTO: Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.
Updated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show more than 18,000 reported cases of cyclosporiasis across 45 states. Since May 1, at least 6,707 infections have been laboratory-confirmed and 423 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
What Officials Are Saying
The CDC is also "aware" of more than 11,500 additional illness reports that are not yet laboratory-confirmed or require further investigation; a large share of those reports came from Michigan and Ohio. Health investigators in those states have linked many cases to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants.
Product And Recall Details
The lettuce in question was supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico. Taylor Farms de Mexico has issued a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico; the recall affects products distributed to 27 states. The recalled lettuce was distributed between June 29 and July 16 and carried best-if-used-by dates through Aug. 3. Taco Bell says it is no longer using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico at its restaurants while the investigation continues.
Timing, Testing And Reporting
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis. The average time from exposure to symptom onset is about one week, though symptoms can appear two weeks or longer after exposure in some people. The CDC notes that case counts can lag: it can take up to six weeks to determine whether a reported illness should be included in the agency's official tally. Officials also point out that Cyclosporiasis cases typically rise during the summer months.
Who Has Been Affected
Reported illnesses span a wide age range, from 1 to 98 years of age. To date, no deaths have been linked to this outbreak.
Health officials emphasize that investigations are ongoing: while many cases in some states have been tied to recalled lettuce, other sources remain possible and are under active review.
What To Do If You’re Sick
If you have persistent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, or other gastrointestinal symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Health officials recommend testing for Cyclospora when symptoms are consistent with cyclosporiasis, particularly if you recently ate salad greens or other fresh produce. Follow local public health guidance for testing and treatment.
Note: This situation is under active investigation by public health agencies; guidance and counts may be updated as more data are confirmed.
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