Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Cyclospora,Cyclospora,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on August 17, 2026
This historic Cyclospora outbreak has impacted over 20,000 people (depending on your source) so far this summer. Much of which have been reported from the state of Michigan. At least two people have died. Both from Michigan. Many have been hospitalized.
The country hasn’t seen a Cyclospora outbreak of this size.
Ever!
The closest we have seen was in 1996 with an outbreak linked to Guatemalan raspberries. Though the extreme number of cases is only a fraction of what we are seeing this summer.
How big is this historic Cyclospora outbreak? Why is Michigan disproportionately represented in this outbreak? What is Cyclospora and how can you avoid it?
Here’s what we know so far about the historic Cyclospora outbreak so far!
The historic Cyclospora outbreak of 2026 can be broken down into a few different groups. The one getting most of the press is the multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico.
Taco Bell initially took the hit on this one, as the connection between Michiganders who ate lettuce at Taco Bell was undeniable. The state continues to lead the number of cases of cyclosporiasis.
Soon after, the supplier, Taylor Farms de Mexico was identified. Then other cases were linked to the outbreak as Taco Bell was not the only source. This opened the outbreak roster to those who had not consumed Taco Bell prior to becoming sick. Adding several states and thousands of more Cyclospora cases to the list.
But this specific Cyclospora outbreak is not the only one impacting the country. Let’s talk about all of them.
So far, there are at least 9,481 illnesses included in the multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce. At least 398 people have been hospitalized and two deaths have been reported.
The most recent recorded date of illness onset was August 3, 2026, but it can take up to six weeks between a person becoming sick and being confirmed part of an ongoing outbreak. We may see these numbers continue to climb as more information becomes available.
States with cases include Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
The state of Michigan has been battling the Cyclospora outbreak since the beginning of May. The state’s Department of Health and Human Services has been providing a running update on the number of cases reported. However, there is no distinction for which cases are included in the iceberg lettuce outbreak and those potentially from other sources.
In all, 13,909 people have been reported with cyclosporiasis illnesses in the state. There have been 314 connected hospitalizations and two deaths.
Let’s put that in perspective for a moment. According to the U.S. Census, Michigan had an estimated 10.1 million people in 2025. That means that less than 1 in 1000 people (closer to 1 in 726) have become sick with this “explosive diarrhea parasite.”
Chances are, if you live in Michigan and haven’t gotten sick, you know someone who has.
Beyond the iceberg lettuce Cyclospora outbreak, there are three other actively investigated outbreaks with “not yet identified” food sources. These outbreaks may end up combining with the multistate outbreak if more information supports it. Or we could see an entirely different food vehicle.
Iceberg lettuce is not the only risky food Americans consume. Cilantro, Basil, and raspberries have been linked to outbreaks in the past.
Current Active Cyclospora Foodborne Illness Investigations:
Once the number of Cyclospora cases began to rise, the CDC created a public page for Cyclosporiasis Surveillance. According to the agency, they have received reports of 13,895 “laboratory-confirmed” cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States.
These “laboratory-confirmed” cases do not include those that have not culture confirmed or other probable cases. Another 10,455 additional cases “may require further investigation and analysis” to be officially counted.
This can account for the major discrepancies between state reporting significant differences in outbreak statistics.
This outbreak has reached higher case counts than the closest Cyclospora outbreak on record.
Prior to 1996, it was rare for a Cyclospora outbreak to reach 1000 cases in the United States. However, a 20-state outbreak with 1465 confirmed cases linked to raspberries in the summer of 1996 changed that.
This outbreak was ultimately linked to a single exporter, but could not be narrowed down beyond the five farms implicated.
The current historic Cyclospora outbreak has had a much further reach. One we hope to never see again.
Back to the current outbreak.
Why is Michigan disproportionately represented?
Are there just more people eating iceberg lettuce in that state compared to others. While there are probably some statistics on the topic, it is unlikely that is the reason.
The short answer is, I don’t have a real answer.
Though I would suspect that the distributors used in Michigan may favor the farm(s) in Central Mexico producing and processing iceberg lettuce.
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:
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 .
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.
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.
If you have been significantly impacted by this historic 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)