Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Cyclospora,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on September 16, 2026
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcement declares the Cyclospora outbreak is over. This historic Cyclospora outbreak has plagued the country for the better part of the summer and still leaves questions lingering about case counts. With significant differences in totals, depending on what level the statistics are being reported (state versus federal).
However, with case counts declining and contaminated lettuce no longer in circulation, the agency has decided to move to the next step of the investigation.
Declaring it over.
So, where do outbreak cases stand now that the Cyclospora outbreak is over? What exactly is Cyclospora and how bad is this type of foodborne infection?
Were you impacted by this Cyclospora outbreak? If so, do you know what to do?
Here’s what we know about the recent declaration and the Summer 2026 Cyclospora outbreak!
The official counts for the final outbreak statistics as the Cyclospora outbreak is declared over comes to 12,883 illnesses. Of which, 570 people were hospitalized. Two people died from their illnesses. This is what the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reported.
These numbers have been very conservative over the course of the investigation, with state reports sometimes doubling what the CDC has included across the country. For example, Michigan alone reported 14,718 cases with 366 hospitalizations. The two deaths came from Michigan as well.
This is because the FDA and CDC only count confirmed cases. That is, cases that screened presumptive positive and later tested culture positive. Not all people reporting illnesses were tested (however if they shared exposure to someone that did, they were often counted at the state level).
A significant number of outbreak illnesses were reported in Michigan. However 20 other states including Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia were also represented. With Virginia being added at the very end.
Illness onset began as early as August 17, 2026 based on initial cases. However, the last date of illness onset was as late as August 17, 2026. About a month ago.
The outbreak, linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico was originally pointing fingers at Taco Bell. That was until the supplier using iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico was identified.
Despite the outbreak given “closed” status, the work isn’t quite done yet.
As late as the end of August, state and local health officials have continued to interview sick people. Adding them to the outbreak statistics.
You see, the investigation is far from over.
During the peak of the outbreak (prior to the iceberg lettuce recall), more than 1,000 illnesses were reported in a single day. As the outbreak winded down, fewer than two infections per day occurred on average in August.
All product is beyond their best-by date and it is unlikely new cases will develop. But the CDC and FDA continue to work with the supplier to implement measures which will hopefully keep a repeat situation from happening next season.
Cyclospora is not fun for anyone. But what exactly is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a foodborne parasite known for watery, explosive diarrhea. It is endemic in some tropical countries, but not in the United States.
In fact, there are two categories used with discussing cyclosporiasis. “Acquired domestically” and “acquired internationally.” In this historic Cyclospora outbreak, only domestically acquired cases are being considered.
Symptoms of Cyclospora infections are primarily gastrointestinal.
Common symptoms include:
It is still a good idea to keep an eye out for symptoms, as other Cyclospora outbreaks are still being investigated.
While the iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico Cyclospora outbreak is over, there are still unattributed Cyclospora cases without a known food source on the table (at least four so far). The FDA Active Foodborne Outbreak Investigation table, that is.
While some haven’t had any new cases recently, leaving the trail potentially cold, at least one has recent activity.
Currently active Cyclospora outbreaks include:
With several other active Cyclospora outbreak investigations, vigilance is still necessary. As with most situations, prevention is the best policy when it comes to foodborne illness. So, how do you prevent Cyclospora infections?
There are a few things you can do to help.
Paying attention to recalls can help ensure you and your family stop consuming potentially contaminated food as early as possible. While we write about some of the larger recalls, your best source for up to date food recalls is https://www.foodsafety.gov/recalls-and-outbreaks. Follow the Make Food Safe Blog for other foodborne news.
Always wash fruits and vegetables before you eat them. Even if you do not intend to eat the rind, skin, or peel. This includes avocados, oranges, lemons, limes, and even melons. Especially melons. It may seem unnecessary and inconvenient, but surface germs are pulled into the vulnerable flesh with every slice. Wash them to protect yourself.
Avoid cross contamination by washing your hands and any tools or utensils used to prepare fruits and vegetables. Use soap and running water between tasks and avoid cross contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.
If you have been significantly impacted by a Cyclospora outbreak, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Cyclospora Lawyer that can help!
You want experienced representation, skilled at handling cases just like yours. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully recovered millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases, and they can help you too.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for your free, no obligation consultation. Get answers today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)