A cyclospora outbreak has topped 24,000 cases across 47 states, with the rate of new infections appearing to slow in mid-August 2026, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 13,895 cases have been laboratory confirmed, including 740 hospitalizations and two deaths reported in Michigan.
The outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, which was sourced from central Mexico and distributed to Taco Bell restaurants as well as food services, retail stores, and other restaurants across multiple states. Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico in July.
The slowdown in new cases is notable after weeks of rapid growth. The CDC reported only about 2,000 additional cases over the week ending August 12, compared to more than 10,000 cases recorded the prior week, according to ABC News analysis of CDC data. However, health officials caution that a six-week reporting lag between illness onset and case reporting means confirmed numbers will likely continue to rise in the coming weeks.
The Taylor Farms-linked outbreak specifically has affected 15 states with 6,358 reported illnesses and at least 278 hospitalizations. The outbreak originally appeared isolated to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell in nine states, but the contaminated lettuce was subsequently found in broader distribution channels.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a unicellular parasite that spreads when people consume food or water contaminated with human feces. The parasite requires an incubation period of at least one to two weeks in the environment before it becomes infectious. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, often beginning about a week after exposure, and without treatment can persist for weeks.
Past cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the United States have been linked to various imported fresh produce items. In 2018, the U.S. reported 2,299 cases of cyclosporiasis, many linked to contaminated raspberries, basil, cilantro, and other produce. Previous outbreaks have also been traced to mesclun lettuce, snow peas, and blackberries. The current 2026 outbreak represents a significantly larger event than most historical instances.
The two deaths reported in Michigan were individuals who had significant underlying health conditions, according to state health officials. Both deaths occurred among the more than 11,000 cases reported in Michigan as of early August, making the state the epicenter of the outbreak.
The FDA has been conducting a trace-back investigation to determine the full extent of the contamination. Health officials have advised that the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of affected individuals is likely higher than reported figures.
Sources
- ABC News — confirmed 24,000+ cases across 47 states as of August 12, 2026; 13,895 laboratory-confirmed cases with 740 hospitalizations; slowing rate of new infections; Taylor Farms lettuce link; six-week reporting lag
- CDC — surveillance data showing laboratory-confirmed cases and case distribution across states; transmission mechanism and incubation period
- Reuters — Michigan reports 11,234 outbreak-linked cases and 193 hospitalizations as of August 3, 2026
- CNBC — first two deaths reported in Michigan, both with significant underlying health conditions
- FDA — voluntary recall issued by Taylor Farms; past outbreak history linked to various produce items; transmission via contaminated food and water
