Newsweek has mapped the states with the highest cyclospora cases in 2026 as federal health officials investigate a newly identified outbreak while continuing to monitor the largest cyclosporiasis surge in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on July 22 that it is probing a second outbreak affecting 72 people. The food source responsible has not yet been identified.
This news emerged shortly after federal investigators traced a separate outbreak across five states to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Multiple states have reported cyclospora-induced illness, but different illnesses may not originate from the same source.
Current Outbreaks and Case Numbers
The new investigation intensifies the public health response as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documented over 4,000 confirmed domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis across 41 states since May 1. Awaiting confirmation are more than 7,000 reports.
Worst Cyclospora Hotspots
Michigan is the most affected, with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reporting 7,171 cases as of July 22, including at least 102 hospitalizations. Ohio follows with over 2,200 cases and numerous hospitalizations. Indiana has reported 594 cases, New York 517 cases, Kentucky 192, and Oklahoma 172.
CDC data, limited to laboratory-confirmed cases, shows cases across 41 states. State totals often exceed CDC reports as they include likely and confirmed cases. Cases are not immediately reported; the CDC estimates a six-week delay from illness onset to reporting. The true infection count may be higher since many people recover without medical care or testing.
New Cyclospora Outbreak Investigation
The FDA reports a new outbreak affecting 72 people, but the source remains unknown. The announcement followed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s remark that the major outbreak linked to lettuce was ‘under control’ after identifying a probable source and prompting a large-scale recall.
An HHS spokesperson shared with Newsweek that FDA investigators continue examining whether additional products, retailers, restaurants, or distribution channels may be related to the ongoing illnesses. The FDA has not disclosed the states involved in the latest outbreak.
Five-State Outbreak Linked to Taco Bell Lettuce
On Friday, federal health officials confirmed that shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell sites in five states—Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia—was the outbreak source. Taylor Farms has voluntarily recalled centrally-sourced Mexican iceberg lettuce from the U.S. market as of July 17, acting ‘out of an abundance of caution.’
The FDA stated that none of the tested samples for cyclospora had tested positive as of July 19. A previous positive result from a Taylor Farms sample was determined to be a false positive. Taco Bell has cleared affected lettuce from nationwide sites. The FDA warns that the investigation is ongoing, with other brands, retailers, and restaurants potentially implicated.
Michigan health authorities noted some affected people hadn’t eaten at Taco Bell, prompting further exploration whether contaminated lettuce was distributed through other supply chains.
Taco Bell Offers Lettuce-Free Enchiritos
As the outbreak continues, Taco Bell announced on July 22 the sale of $1 lettuce-free Enchiritos. Made with a flour tortilla, ground beef, beans, diced onions, cheddar cheese, and red sauce, the limited-time item lacks lettuce.
Understanding Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Symptoms typically begin a week after exposure but can start two days to two weeks later. Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, fatigue, appetite loss, and weight loss. Symptoms can linger for weeks or months without treatment, with some patients experiencing recurrences.
The CDC advises those with symptoms to seek medical attention and testing.
Consumer Advice
Federal health officials recommend thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables and being cautious with pre-cut or packaged produce. Cyclospora removal through washing is challenging; cooking produce to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) is most effective for parasite elimination. Those experiencing persistent diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, or stomach cramps should seek medical care, particularly if these symptoms develop within two weeks of eating fresh produce.
The CDC reports illnesses in people aged 2 to 95, with a mean age of 44. As investigations continue, authorities caution that additional products and distribution channels might still be linked to illness occurrences ahead.
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