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 16, 2026
The source of this Cyclospora outbreak has continued to stump investigators. It appears they are narrowing down some options. However, nothing has been proven and no supplier has been identified. Some restaurants have chosen to make some menu changes to remove certain risky items proactively. A move that has helped some in the past.
So, what could be the source of this Cyclospora outbreak and what can you do to help reduce your risk?
But first, what is making these people sick and how many people are part of this Cyclospora outbreak?
When most people think about foodborne illness, they think about bacteria or viruses. Things like E. coli and Salmonella. Maybe norovirus. But Cyclospora is a different kind of germ. It is a parasite.
Like most foodborne illnesses, you get sick when you eat or drink something contaminated with the germ.
It is commonly referred to as “explosive diarrhea parasite” or simply “diarrhea parasite.” Aptly nicknamed for the most common symptom.
Watery diarrhea, with “frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements.”
Another common symptom associated with Cyclospora infections is fatigue. Most people report feeling very tired or more tired than usual.
Other symptoms may include:
It is possible for someone who is infected with Cyclospora to experience no symptoms at all. This is more common in areas where Cyclospora is endemic.
For those unfortunate to experience symptoms, they 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. So, see your healthcare provider if you have watery diarrhea that does not improve. Especially during this Cyclospora outbreak.
How many people are sick in this Cyclospora outbreak?
Well, that depends on who you ask.
You see, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) numbers will generally be more conservative. They only report confirmed cases, while states are more likely to report confirmed and probable cases and adjust as confirmatory test results become available.
There also appears to be multiple “clusters” of Cyclospora outbreaks across the country. While these clusters may be related to the overall multi-state outbreak, they have distinct enough genetic signatures to clump those closely related infections together. Which may or may not be related to the same food source.
So, how bad is it?
According to the most recent update of the CDC’s Surveillance of Cyclosporiasis report, the agency has received reports of 1,645 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States. They are aware of more than 5,100 cases requiring “further analysis.”
The agency explains that “so far this year, multiple states have reported an increase in cases compared to the same period in 2025.”
Now that is an understatement!
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also added another Cyclospora outbreak cluster to their Active Foodborne Investigation table, with a link to another CDC investigation update.
In this outbreak cluster, more than 400 people across 4 states (Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky) have been infected. Sick people have reported symptoms beginning on or after June 22, 2026.
Michigan outbreak statistics are significantly higher. As a result, this state has led the investigation into the source of this Cyclospora outbreak.
As of July 15, 2026 the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says that least 3,762 people have been diagnosed with a Cyclospora infection. Since July 9, 2026 at least 44 people have been hospitalized for their illness. These totals have increased daily with every update.
The state of New York has reported at least 610 cases of Cyclospora illness as of July 8, 2026. Of which, 381 have come from New York City. A “three-fold increase compared to the same time period in 2025.”
Another state currently experiencing large numbers of outbreak cases is Ohio. According to Ohio Department of Health the state has received reports of 177 cases in 2026. Of which 171 occurred in the month of June. Most since June 20.
Also hit hard is Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Public Health has received 100 suspected cases of cyclosporiasis with 7 requiring hospitalizations. At least 55 have been confirmed so far.
The state of West Viginia has also experienced a significant number of Cyclospora cases. As of July 13, 2026, at least 69 people have reported Cyclospora illness. Of which 8 have been hospitalized.
You may have seen news about Taco Bell across your newsfeed. They have been the focus of some of the outbreak statistics in Michigan, which we know has a significant share of outbreak cases. While public health officials have not confirmed a link between the multistate outbreak and the restaurant, they have decided to voluntarily and temporarily remove select ingredients from their menu offerings as a precaution. Namely, lettuce and other associated ingredients.
But they aren’t the first to take this approach.
In 2018, McDonalds did the same during that year’s Cyclospora outbreak. The fast food giant pulled salads from 3,000 locations in the Midwest while they searched for another lettuce supplier. It is unclear if there is truly a connection between this Cyclospora outbreak and Taco Bell, but being proactive certainly can’t hurt the situation.
So, what can you do in your own home to reduce your risk?
There are a lot of things to think about when selecting ingredients or ordering food at restaurants amid this Cyclospora outbreak with no known source. Here are a few tips to help reduce your risk of infection while authorities work toward identifying the source.
Pre-washed bagged salad and salad kits have been associated with Cyclospora outbreaks in the past. We let our guard down with packages that boast that they are “triple washed” and ordinarily the convenience makes these product appealing.
Without a known source and lettuce being a top contender for the source of this Cyclospora outbreak, it is a good idea to choose whole head lettuce instead. Be sure to remove the outer layers of the lettuce and wash the leaves individually.
Fresh berries are a delicious part of a balanced diet. But those little crevices in raspberries and blackberries have been known to hide harmful germs. These tasty morsels have been linked to Cyclospora outbreaks in the past.
Instead, plan for frozen berries (some studies have found that freezing can kill germs) or be on the safe side and cook them instead.
Herbs like Cilantro, Basil, and Parsley are a great addition to any meal. They add flavor and color. But these herbs have been linked to past Cyclospora outbreaks.
For now, select dried herbs for your recipe. Or better yet, plan to cook them with your meal. Heat is effective at killing Cyclospora and other foodborne germs.
Snow Peas and sugar snap peas are key ingredients in many dishes. But for now, they may be risky when consumed raw. These crispy veggies have been associated with Cyclospora outbreaks in the past.
Cooked is a safer option. Heating vegetables to a safe temperature kills most foodborne germs. Including Cyclospora.
Have you made any dietary or menu changes since learning of this outbreak? While lettuce and salad greens are at the top of the list. Until the source of this Cyclospora outbreak is confirmed, it is best to err on the side of caution.
If you have been significantly impacted by a Cyclospora infection, 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)