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Tech & Science
U.S. Faces Record Cyclosporiasis Outbreak With Over 11,500 Suspected Cases
Herz — Tech & Science Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
The United States is experiencing its largest cyclosporiasis outbreak ever recorded this summer. The CDC has identified over 11,500 suspected cases, with 4,173 confirmed through laboratory testing. The primary outbreak affecting nine states is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants, supplied by Taylor Farms Mexico, which initiated a voluntary recall. Cases are being reported across 41 states in total. The FDA is separately investigating 72 additional cases.
- 11,500+ suspected cases mark the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak ever recorded in the U.S.
- 4,173 laboratory-confirmed cases with 7,400 under investigation
- Nine-state outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants
- Taylor Farms Mexico, the identified supplier, issued a voluntary recall
- Cases reported in 41 states; FDA separately investigating 72 additional cases
What We Know
The cyclosporiasis outbreak striking the United States this summer is the largest ever recorded in the country, according to the CDC, the federal public health agency. The agency has confirmed 4,173 domestic cases through laboratory testing and is investigating 7,400 additional cases, for a total of over 11,500 suspected cases.
In total, 41 U.S. states are reporting cyclosporiasis cases. Investigators are still working to distinguish which cases are part of the multi-state outbreak from those that are isolated incidents.
Laboratory-confirmed cases4173
Cases under investigation7400
The Parasite Behind It
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic disease caused by ingestion of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic protozoan. This parasite contaminates raw foods through contact with fecal matter.
Symptoms include explosive, watery, and recurrent diarrhea that can last several weeks.
The Identified Food Source in Nine States
The primary outbreak is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants. The sole identified supplier is Taylor Farms Mexico, a food producer that has initiated a voluntary recall of its products.
Geographic Scope of Investigation
The investigation initially covered five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. It has since expanded to Illinois, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, bringing the total to nine states. Kansas is conducting its own parallel investigation into cases "linked" to this multi-state outbreak.
Other Outbreaks Identified Separately
On July 24, 2026, the FDA, another federal U.S. health authority, updated its website to report a separate investigation into 72 cyclosporiasis cases. These cases have not yet been linked to a specific food.
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