U.S. Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

By Dr. Yanira Cruz, President and CEO of NHCOA

On Tuesday, July 14^th, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness brought on via food contaminated with a specific type of parasite known as cyclospora. These parasites are transmitted via food or water that has been contaminated with feces, and the summer months usually show an uptick in cases of cyclosporiasis.

This new outbreak shows an unusually large number of cases and hospitalizations reported within the United States. So far in 2026, the CDC has record of 1,645 cases and about 141 hospitalizations, the majority of these numbers being related to the recent outbreak. Amidst an investigation conducted by both the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations within the five following states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The FDA has traced cases back to a specific supplier of lettuce, and the CDC states that shredded iceberg lettuce sold in grocery stores or served in other restaurants has not been affected.

When it comes to the current outbreak, the method of prevention is to not eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations amongst the five aforementioned states. If you have recently eaten at one of these Taco Bell locations, or if you are showing symptoms of cyclosporiasis, the CDC advises you to contact your healthcare provider to report your symptoms and receive care.

Cyclosporiasis Symptoms

Prevention of Cyclosporiasis

The most necessary and clear method of prevention amidst the recent outbreak is to not eat the shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

However, cyclosporiasis is a seasonal occurrence and should always be prevented by thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables. The CDC advises that even if a fruit or vegetable is labeled as being pre-washed, consumers should still wash all produce before eating. Firm fruits and vegetables, like melons or cucumbers, should be scrubbed and bruised areas of produce should be cut-off and avoided. Additionally, cut, peeled, or cooked produce should be refrigerated as soon as possible.

Transmission from person to person is extremely unlikely. According to the CDC, the parasite Cyclospora does not become active until 1 to 2 weeks after exiting the body through feces. To catch the parasite from an infected individual, you would have to make contact with their infected feces 1 to 2 weeks after defecation.

For additional information about this outbreak of cyclosporiasis, stay up to date with the CDC Newsroom for new updates as the investigation continues.

References:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Served at Taco Bell Locations Is Source of Cyclosporiasis Infections.” CDC Newsroom, July 16, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2026/shredded-iceberg-lettuce-served-at-taco-bell-locations-is-source-of-cyclosporiasis-infections.html.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Transcript: Update on CDC’s Cyclosporiasis Response, July 14, 2026.” CDC Newsroom, July 14, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2026/transcript-update-on-cdcs-cyclosporiasis-response-7-14-26.html.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Surveillance of Cyclosporiasis.” Cyclosporiasis. Last modified January 8, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/php/surveillance/index.html.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Cyclosporiasis.” Cyclosporiasis. Last modified September 4, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/about/index.html.