U.S. federal health officials declared the largest recorded multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak over on 11 September 2026. The outbreak was linked to processed iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, supplied from central Mexico, and it affected 12,883 infections across 21 states.
Cyclosporiasis: Basic Medical Facts
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The infection spreads through contaminated food or water and commonly causes watery diarrhoea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue.
Outbreak Data and State-wise Impact
The lettuce-linked outbreak caused 570 hospitalisations and two deaths, both in Michigan. Michigan reported more than 14,000 cases and two deaths, followed by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio among the affected states.
Since 1 May 2026, the CDC recorded 19,595 laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases acquired in the United States across 49 states and Washington, D.C. The same period included 1,043 hospitalisations and two deaths, compared with 1,180 cases reported between 1 May and 31 August 2025.
Food Safety Response and Recall Measures
Taylor Farms recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on 17 July 2026. Federal officials stated that the recalled products were off the market and past their best-by dates by 11 September 2026.
The Food and Drug Administration continued its investigation into how the parasite entered the food supply from Taylor Farms de Mexico and into other cyclospora clusters from the summer of 2026.
Important Facts for Exams
- Cyclosporiasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the main U.S. public health agency for outbreak surveillance.
- Foodborne outbreaks are often traced through recall notices, laboratory confirmation, and state-level case reporting.
- Michigan was the hardest-hit state in this outbreak, with more than 14,000 cases and two deaths.
