Nearly 2,000 cyclosporiasis cases confirmed across 9 U.S. states amid outbreak

A significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite, has affected nine states across the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming nearly 2,000 cases. The parasitic infection typically causes watery diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Health officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms of Mexico as the likely source of the contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Taylor Farms initiated a recall of the implicated product on July 17, 2026. This recall encompasses iceberg lettuce sold in retail stores, served in restaurants, and distributed to food service clients.

Many individuals who fell ill reported consuming food at Taco Bell in the two weeks preceding the onset of their symptoms. In response to the potential contamination, the fast-food chain proactively removed the lettuce from its menu before the official product recall was announced.

The CDC is continuing to gather comprehensive data on the outbreak, including conducting interviews with affected individuals. Cyclosporiasis cases typically increase during the spring and summer months, with the CDC designating May 1 to August 31 as the peak season for the illness. Symptoms usually appear between two and 14 days after exposure.