Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Linked to Shredded Iceberg Lettuce

United States

Update October 2, 2026:
FDA has concluded its investigation into the multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico.

Two environmental samples collected during FDA inspections in Mexico tested positive for Cyclospora: one from a wastewater tank at the Taylor Farms de Mexico processing facility and another from a drainage ditch at an iceberg lettuce grower identified through traceback.

The agency could not determine how the lettuce became contaminated. Genotyping of both samples has been completed, and FDA is continuing to analyze how the findings relate to clinical specimens.

FDA will continue post-outbreak response activities with public health partners and work on prevention measures ahead of the 2027 growing season.

Source: FDA


Update September 11th, 2026:
The CDC has declared the multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico over. Since the previous update, Virginia has been added to the list of states reporting cases. The most recent illness onset date is August 17, 2026.

FDA’s onsite inspections and sample collection at iceberg lettuce growers and the processing facility in Mexico have concluded, with samples from the inspections still pending analysis.

FDA remains confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce associated with this outbreak has been removed from the market. Although CDC has declared the outbreak over, FDA’s investigation remains ongoing, and the agency will continue working with federal, state, and international partners. FDA will provide additional updates as they become available.

Source: FDA


Update September 8th, 2026:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, from May 1 through September 8, 2026, 19,595 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States have been reported, including 1,043 hospitalizations and 2 deaths across 49 states and the District of Columbia.

The median illness onset date remains July 8, 2026, with onset dates now ranging from May 1 through August 30, 2026.

The CDC reported 9,355 laboratory-confirmed cases requiring further investigation to determine whether they were acquired in the United States or during international travel. The agency is also aware of at least 6,149 additional cases that are not laboratory-confirmed or are pending patient interviews or submission to CDC.

For travel-associated infections, CDC reported 1,997 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 71 hospitalizations and no deaths, among people who became ill after international travel during the 14 days before illness.

Although the 2026 U.S. cyclosporiasis season ended on August 31, CDC continues to identify and investigate additional cases because of the approximately six-week reporting delay. Case counts are therefore expected to continue increasing after the end of the season.

Source: CDC


Update September 1st, 2026:
The CDC reported that, from May 1 through August 31, 2026, 18,445 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States have been reported, including 990 hospitalizations and 2 deaths across 49 states and the District of Columbia.

The median illness onset date has shifted to July 8, 2026, with onset dates ranging from May 1 through August 22, 2026. The CDC also reported that 3,491 laboratory-confirmed cases require further investigation to determine whether they were acquired in the United States or during international travel.

The agency is aware of at least 13,505 additional cases that are not laboratory confirmed or are pending further investigation, patient interviews, or submission to CDC. The CDC expects to continue identifying and investigating additional cases because of the approximately six-week reporting delay.

The 2026 U.S. cyclosporiasis season ended on August 31, but additional cases are expected to be reported and investigated after the season due to reporting delays.

For travel-associated infections, CDC reported 1,900 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 66 hospitalizations and no deaths, among people who became ill after international travel during the 14 days before illness.

CDC continues to investigate multiple clusters of cyclosporiasis, including the multistate outbreak linked to processed iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, as well as other clusters for which sources have not yet been confirmed.

Source: CDC


Update August 25th, 2026:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, as of August 24, 2026, 17,180 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States have been reported since the start of the 2026 season. This includes 922 hospitalizations and 2 deaths across 48 states and the District of Columbia.

The CDC is also aware of at least 11,844 additional cases that are not laboratory confirmed or require further investigation to determine whether they were acquired in the United States.

The median illness onset date remains July 7, 2026, with onset dates ranging from May 1 through August 19. CDC noted that recent illnesses may not yet be reflected in the case counts because it can take approximately six weeks for Cyclospora cases to be identified and reported.

For travel-associated infections, CDC reported 1,805 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 63 hospitalizations and no deaths, among people who became ill after international travel during the 14 days before illness.

CDC continues to investigate multiple clusters of cyclosporiasis, including the multistate outbreak linked to processed iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. The agency and FDA are also investigating at least six additional clusters for which sources have not yet been confirmed.

Source: CDC


Update August 18th, 2026:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 15,716 laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases across 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, including 828 hospitalizations and 2 deaths, as of August 17, 2026. The CDC is also aware of at least 11,841 additional cases that are not laboratory confirmed or require further investigation to determine whether they were acquired in the United States.

The median illness onset date remains July 7, 2026, with onset dates now ranging from May 1 through August 13. CDC noted that recent illnesses may not yet be reflected in the case counts because it can take approximately six weeks for cases to be reported.

The CDC also reported 1,681 laboratory-confirmed travel-associated cases, including 61 hospitalizations and no deaths, among people who became ill after international travel during the 14 days before illness.

CDC continues to investigate multiple clusters of cyclosporiasis, including the large multistate outbreak linked to processed iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. The agency is also working with the FDA and other public health partners to investigate at least six additional clusters for which sources have not yet been confirmed.

Source: CDC


Update August 13th, 2026:
The CDC has reported 13,895 laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases across 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, including 740 hospitalizations and 2 deaths, as of August 10, 2026. The agency is also aware of at least 10,455 additional cases that are not laboratory confirmed or require further investigation.

The CDC noted that the ongoing multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico has contributed significantly to the increase in cases this year. The median illness onset date is July 7, 2026, with onset dates ranging from May 1 to August 2. Case counts are expected to continue increasing due to an estimated six-week reporting lag.

The CDC also reported 1,530 laboratory-confirmed travel-associated cases, including 58 hospitalizations and no deaths, as of August 10, 2026.

Source: CDC


Update August 5th, 2026:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a substantial increase in domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases, with 10,468 laboratory-confirmed illnesses across 47 states, including 517 hospitalizations and 2 deaths, as of August 3, 2026. The agency also stated it is aware of more than 12,255 additional reported cases that are not yet laboratory confirmed or require further investigation, with many of these additional reports continuing to come from Michigan.

The CDC reiterated that these surveillance figures include multiple outbreaks and clusters under investigation, including the ongoing multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. Health officials noted that laboratory-confirmed domestic cases involve people who did not report international travel during the 14 days before becoming ill. The median illness onset date is July 4, 2026, with onset dates ranging from May 1 through July 28, 2026.

The CDC emphasized that case counts are expected to continue increasing due to reporting delays and ongoing case confirmation efforts. Federal, state, and local health officials continue investigating multiple outbreaks to identify additional sources of infection and prevent further illnesses.

The CDC also reported 1,341 laboratory-confirmed travel-associated cases, including 46 hospitalizations and no deaths, among individuals who became ill after international travel.

Source: CDC


Update July 28th, 2026:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a substantial increase in domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases, with 6,707 laboratory-confirmed illnesses across 45 states, including 423 hospitalizations and no deaths, as of July 27, 2026. The agency also stated it is aware of more than 11,500 additional reported cases that are not yet laboratory confirmed or require further investigation, including ruling out international travel. Many of these additional reports have been submitted by Michigan and Ohio.

The CDC reiterated that these surveillance figures include multiple outbreaks and clusters under investigation, including the ongoing nine-state outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. Health officials noted that the reported illnesses involve people who did not report international travel during the 14 days before becoming ill. The median illness onset date is July 2, 2026, with onset dates ranging from May 1 through July 25, 2026.

The CDC emphasized that case counts are expected to continue increasing due to reporting delays and ongoing case confirmation efforts. Federal, state, and local health officials continue investigating multiple outbreaks to identify additional sources of infection and prevent further illnesses.

The CDC also reported 1,018 laboratory-confirmed travel-associated cases, including 42 hospitalizations and no deaths, among individuals who became ill after international travel.

Source: CDC


Update July 24th, 2026:
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local health authorities, have expanded the ongoing multistate Cyclospora outbreak investigation linked to shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico. The outbreak now includes illnesses reported in nine states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. As of July 24, 2026, a total of 1,947 people reporting exposure to Taco Bell have been diagnosed with Cyclospora infections. Illnesses began between June 22 and July 20, 2026. At least 98 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

The increase in cases is partly due to the addition of four new states to the outbreak investigation. Health officials expect case counts to continue rising because it can take up to six weeks to determine whether a reported illness is associated with the outbreak.

The FDA also clarified that a lettuce sample previously believed to be positive for Cyclospora was a false positive. However, this finding does not change the basis of the ongoing investigation or the epidemiological evidence linking illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico and sourced from growers in central Mexico. The FDA continues to advise consumers to avoid products included in Taylor Farms' voluntary recall.

The FDA and CDC continue working with federal, state, and local partners to investigate the outbreak and ensure implicated products are removed from the market. Additional brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels may be identified as the investigation continues.

Source: FDA


Update July 19th, 2026:
The FDA has issued a correction regarding its investigation into the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce. After further laboratory review, the agency determined that a lettuce sample initially believed to be positive for Cyclospora was a false positive and does not represent a confirmed detection of the parasite. As of July 19, no product samples have tested positive for Cyclospora.

Despite this, the FDA continues to identify Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier linked through traceback investigations to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations associated with illnesses. The agency is continuing to work with the company to ensure the implicated lettuce has been removed from the market while product testing and the investigation continue.

On July 17, Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market and initiated a recall. This includes certain Marketside-brand iceberg salad and shredded lettuce products sold at Walmart, along with additional food service products distributed to commercial customers.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Source: FDA


Update July 16th 2026:
FDA has released outbreak-specific numbers in the ongoing cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell. Across five states (IN, KY, MI, OH, WV), 1,644 Cyclospora cases have been reported among people with Taco Bell exposure — onset dates May 13–July 13, 2026, with 94 hospitalizations and no deaths. These are a subset of the cases identified nationwide.

New in this update: Michigan's analysis of 190 Taco Bell cases found 90% had eaten iceberg lettuce, and FDA is now working directly with the identified Mexican lettuce supplier to determine whether contaminated product is still on the market — collecting samples for testing and increasing screening at the border.
The investigation is ongoing, and FDA notes additional restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels could still be identified.

Source: FDA


Update July 15th, 2026:
The CDC, FDA, and state health officials have opened a multistate investigation linking cyclosporiasis illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. FDA traceback investigators identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by the affected Taco Bell restaurants.

Taco Bell is working to stop using the implicated lettuce while FDA investigates whether the contaminated lettuce was distributed to other locations.

CDC advises consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in the five affected states and recommends seeking medical care if symptoms of cyclosporiasis develop.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Source: CDC


July 13th, 2026:
As of July 13, 2026, CDC reported 1,645 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States across 34 states. The cases occurred among people who became ill after eating food in the United States and did not report international travel during the 14 days before illness. Reported patients ranged in age from 2 to 95 years, with a median age of 44, and 56% were female. Of those with available information, 141 people were hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

The 2026 cyclosporiasis season began on May 1, and cases typically increase during the spring and summer months. CDC noted that multiple jurisdictions have reported higher case numbers compared with the same period in 2025 and expects counts may continue to rise as additional reports are received. CDC, FDA, and jurisdictional partners are continuing investigations to identify and confirm potential sources of the multistate outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring an increase in cyclosporiasis cases in the United States. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is a nationally notifiable disease. CDC works with state and federal health and regulatory partners to monitor cases, detect outbreaks, and investigate potential sources of infection.

CDC also reported 440 travel-associated cases as of July 13, 2026, including 20 hospitalizations and no deaths.

Source: www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/php/surveillance/index.html
Update July 15th, 2026: www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/index.html
Update July 16th, 2026: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-5-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026