Cyclosporiasis Cases Surge to 6,745 as Lettuce Emerges as Likely Source

A parasitic outbreak is sweeping the United States at record pace. The CDC has confirmed 1,645 cyclosporiasis cases across 34 states, with 5,100 more under investigation, totaling nearly 7,000 illnesses since May. Michigan leads with 3,309 confirmed cases and 44 hospitalizations. Michigan officials have identified lettuce and salad greens as a probable culprit after interviewing more than 1,000 patients. The outbreak has already surpassed the 2019 record of 4,700 cases, and the CDC expects numbers to climb through August.

Why this year is the worst on record

The 2026 cyclosporiasis outbreak is unprecedented. There are usually about 2,700 cases each year, mostly during summer. As of July 14, the CDC has confirmed 1,645 cases with 141 hospitalizations. An additional 5,100 cases are pending confirmation. Combined, the outbreak has already exceeded the prior U.S. record of 4,700 cases set in 2019. No deaths have been reported.

Lettuce and salad greens under investigation

Michigan health officials conducted over 1,000 patient interviews and found lettuce appearing repeatedly. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, stated that “early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation.” However, no specific grower, supplier, or produce type has been confirmed. Michigan advised consumers to buy whole heads of lettuce, discard outer layers, and avoid bagged salad and pre-mixed kits. Taco Bell voluntarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure.

What foods carry the highest risk

Cyclospora has historically contaminated bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, blackberries, snow peas, and scallions. The parasite spreads through the fecal-oral route when infected food handlers with poor hygiene prepare produce. Unlike bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella, cyclospora cannot be cultured in labs, making outbreak tracking slower and more difficult. Symptoms appear one to two weeks after ingestion.

Symptoms and treatment options

Cyclosporiasis causes watery or explosive diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, bloating, weight loss, and fatigue. Unlike common gastrointestinal illnesses, it typically does not cause vomiting or high fever. A simple stool test or gastrointestinal PCR panel can confirm the parasite. The antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfa can shorten illness duration. Patients aged 2 to 95 have been infected, with 56% female. All became ill starting June 22 and had not traveled outside the U.S.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 cyclosporiasis outbreak is the worst in U.S. history, with nearly 7,000 cases and counting. Until authorities identify and isolate the contaminated source, consumers should avoid bagged salad and pre-mixed greens, wash whole produce thoroughly, and seek medical care for persistent diarrhea.

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