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 July 14, 2026
Is this multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce? Michigan health officials believe so. However, more evidence is needed to track down a specific source.
Why has the source of this outbreak that has sickened thousands so far been so difficult to track down? What is Cyclospora and why are lettuce and leafy greens so vulnerable? What should you do if you get sick?
Here’s what we know so far about the Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce!
How many people are sick in this Cyclospora Outbreak linked to lettuce?
Well, that depends on the source you look up.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of July 9, 2026, 843 U.S. cases have been reported across 31 states (Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, W. Virginia, and Wisconsin). So far there have been 86 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.
If this number sounds low, you are not mistaken. The CDC explains the discrepancy is due to their published data only accounting for confirmed cases. Several probable cases awaiting confirmatory testing are in progress.
CDC is aware that states are likely to report higher case counts of cyclosporiasis than reflected in CDC data and is working closely with states to update number as additional cases are confirmed. Since May 1, 2026, CDC has received reports of 843 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 1,500 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness as domestically acquired cyclosporiasis.”
As the results of these tests come in, CDC surveillance data will be updated.
Some states, such as Michigan, have reported significantly more illnesses. As of July 13, 2026, more than 2,640 cases are being investigated in the state.
So far, Michigan has been the hardest hit in this Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce. So it is no surprise that the state might have more information to narrow down the likely source.
According to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, “early investigation results indicate lettuce or salad greens as possible source.” However, “other food items cannot be completely ruled out.”
According to the Department, more than 1,000 interviews have taken place. For lettuce or salad greens to be a strong potential source, a trend of consuming this food likely came up in most responses.
“Although we do not have a definite product identified as the source of the outbreak, we want to let Michiganders know what we have learned so far so that they can take steps to protect their families, said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.”
At this time, no specific produce, grower, or supplier has been identified as the potential source.
The exact source of this Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce or salad greens has been so hard to track down for many reasons. The period of time between consuming contaminated food and developing symptoms (incubation period), common foods, and the spore form of the life cycle.
Part of the traceback investigation process to identify a food linked to an outbreak involves food diaries. What the sick person ate and drank, when they consumed it, where they got it, etc.
Sounds easy, right?
With an incubation period of up to two weeks, remembering all that information can be difficult. Add in being sick, and you can imagine the list will likely have some missing information.
Do you remember what you had for lunch two weeks ago? I honestly would have to think about it. And I have been lucky enough to stay healthy during this troubling time.
When lettuce and salad greens are indicated as a possible source, it doesn’t take a leap to guess that other common foods are on food diaries.
Salads often have similar additional ingredients. Tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers are common toppings. If most of the people being interviewed ate salads, these would likely come up just as often. This could impact traceback data statistics.
The environmental phase in a Cyclospora parasite’s life cycle involves forming a spore. This makes testing the produce item a little more problematic.
DNA extraction techniques often account for normal bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The cells walls are ruptured through normal DNA extraction methods.
For germs that form spores, these methods do not work well. They need a more aggressive technique to penetrate the protective layer so that the test can analyze the DNA within.
While leafy greens are not the only food item linked to historical Cyclospora outbreaks, they are fairly commonly associated. In addition to bagged salad mixes and kits, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions have been linked to Cyclospora outbreaks in the past.
Leafy greens like salads and salad greens are especially vulnerable in how they consume irrigation water.
While the roots do most of the hydration gathering, they sometimes pull in more than just water. They can also take in pathogens like Cyclospora, Salmonella, and E. coli along with it. Causing contamination within the leafy structure.
No amount of washing can remove these germs once they are inside the vegetables.
If you believe you are sick with a Cyclospora illness, there are a few things you can do.
Only specialized laboratory tests can say whether you have a Cyclospora illness. Symptoms may vary from person to person, but the following symptoms are a good starting point.
The most commonly associated symptom with Cyclospora illness is watery diarrhea, with “frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements.” The other is fatigue. Most people with Cyclospora infections report feeling very tired.
Other symptoms may include:
Some people who are infected with Cyclospora parasites do not experience any symptoms at all. For those that do, on the other hand, symptoms may appear to resolve. Only to return again and again.
These relapses are quite common with Cyclospora infections. Likely due to the nature of this parasite’s life cycle.
Without proper treatment, these relapses can continue for a long time.
The only way to get appropriate treatment is to have a proper diagnosis.
Most Cyclospora illnesses are self-limiting. But without treatment, relapses can continue for quite some time. Also, with any diarrheal illness, dehydration is a serious concern that can lead to complications.
Contact your health care provider to receive proper treatment and report your illness to help your situation and potentially help others.
If you believe you have been impacted by this Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce, it is a good idea to get advice from an experienced Cyclospora Lawyer. They can answer your questions, investigate your case, and help you get the compensation you need. Lost work, caring for a loved one, medical bills, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness add up. A Cyclospora lawyer can help you recover those losses.
If you have been significantly impacted by this Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce or salad greens, 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)