Confirmed cases of the parasitic illness cyclosporiasis have reached record levels in the United States, with health officials continuing to investigate multiple outbreaks across the country. As of August 17, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded 15,716 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired within the U.S. since May 1, alongside nearly 12,000 additional suspected or possible cases. This marks a significant increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 1,180 domestically acquired cases were reported.
The current outbreak spans 47 states and Washington, D.C., resulting in 828 hospitalizations and two reported deaths. Patients range in age from one to 99 years old, with a median illness onset date of July 7. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by the cyclospora parasite, leading to sudden and severe diarrhea.
Initial investigations in July linked the outbreak to shredded lettuce served at certain Taco Bell locations. In response, the fast-food chain removed lettuce from its menu items. Subsequently, produce supplier Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico that the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had associated with the outbreak. However, subsequent testing revealed that an initial positive test result for the cyclospora pathogen in a Taylor Farms lettuce sample was a false positive. The company has stated that no further testing of its products has detected the pathogen.
Despite the conflicting findings, Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas expressed confidence in an interview that iceberg lettuce from central Mexico was the source of the outbreak. The FDA has stated it remains confident that all iceberg lettuce related to the cyclosporiasis outbreak has been removed from the market. The Department of Health and Human Services reinforced this message, stating, "Cyclospora: contained, American food: safe."
No other potential sources for the widespread cyclosporiasis cases have been definitively confirmed, leaving consumers uncertain about the exact cause of the illness, even with assurances from health officials. The CDC and FDA continue their investigations into the ongoing outbreaks.