A widespread intestinal illness is affecting people across the country, with more than 11,500 cases of cyclosporiasis (a parasitic intestinal infection) now reported in 41 states. Health officials say the outbreak is one of the largest foodborne parasite outbreaks in recent memory, and the numbers are likely to keep climbing.
Over 4,100 of those cases have been confirmed through lab tests, with another 7,400 suspected based on doctor reports and ongoing investigations. So far, 308 people have needed hospital care.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a tiny parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis that infects the small intestine. The parasite spreads through feces, but not in the way you might expect. You won’t catch it from being around someone who is sick.
Here’s how it actually works: the parasite is shed in the stool of an infected person. If that waste contaminates water or soil, such as through poor sanitation or agricultural practices in regions with limited infrastructure, it can end up on fresh produce. Once on crops, the parasite needs at least one to two weeks in the environment to mature into its infectious form. That’s why outbreaks in the U.S. are almost always linked to imported fresh fruits and vegetables rather than person-to-person contact.
In short, you get it by eating or drinking something contaminated, not from being around someone who has it.
What’s behind this outbreak?
Investigators have identified at least one confirmed source: shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, sourced from central Mexico. On July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce from that region, covering products distributed to retail stores, restaurants, and food service providers across multiple states, including Marketside-brand lettuce sold at Walmart. The lettuce was also linked to Taco Bell locations across several states.
However, health officials caution that Taylor Farms may not be the only source. The CDC is separately investigating other clusters of Cyclospora illness across the country that do not appear to be connected to the Taylor Farms recall. With more than 11,500 cases spread across 41 states, experts say it is likely that multiple contaminated sources are contributing to the overall outbreak.
One lettuce sample initially tested positive for the parasite, though that result was later determined to be a false positive. Even so, health officials say the broader investigation still points to the recalled lettuce products as a likely source, based on patterns of who got sick and when.
Who is getting sick?
People of all ages have been affected, with cases ranging from young children to adults in their 90s. While many people recover fully with treatment, the illness can cause serious discomfort and lingering digestive problems if it’s not caught early.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC describes the hallmark symptom as watery diarrhea with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. What makes this illness particularly tricky is that symptoms can fade and then return in waves, so feeling better for a day or two doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear.
Common symptoms include:
- Watery or explosive diarrhea
- Stomach cramping or bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Less commonly, some people also experience vomiting, body aches, and a low-grade fever or flu-like symptoms.
If left untreated, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer. When diagnosed promptly, cyclosporiasis is treatable with antibiotics. Keep in mind that routine stool tests don’t always screen for this parasite, so ask your doctor to test specifically for Cyclospora if you think you may have been exposed.
What should you do now?
If you recently bought or ate shredded iceberg lettuce, particularly from a restaurant or food service location, check whether it may be part of the recall. If you are unsure about the source, ask the restaurant. Throw out any recalled lettuce or return it to the store, and wash any surfaces or items that may have touched it with hot soapy water.
If you feel unwell, let your doctor know what you have eaten recently, since early testing makes a big difference.
Health agencies are continuing to track new cases nationwide and will update guidance as the investigation develops.
Want to learn more? Visit the CDC’s Cyclosporiasis information page for a full overview of the illness, or check the CDC’s live outbreak investigation for the latest updates.
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