President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Mexico in response to a significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness characterized by gastrointestinal distress. The announcement came during a White House press briefing as cases of the infection have risen sharply across the United States.
Health officials have identified nearly 11,000 suspected or confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis this year, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming 4,100 cases and investigating an additional 7,400 across 41 states. This marks the highest number of cases since 2019. Michigan has reported the most cases, with up to 2,100, followed by Illinois, Kentucky, and Texas.
Public health officials are investigating a potential link between the outbreak and shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell restaurants in nine states. While tests on lettuce from Taylor Farms' facility in Mexico have yielded a false positive, the company has initiated a voluntary recall and temporarily closed its Central Mexico site. Taco Bell has removed the implicated lettuce from its supply chain as a precautionary measure.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It is transmitted through food or water contaminated with human feces. Symptoms typically include watery and explosive diarrhea, cramping, and fever. The parasite becomes infectious in the environment one to two weeks after being passed in a bowel movement, and symptoms can take several weeks to appear after exposure, making source identification challenging.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated on Tuesday that the outbreak was "under control." The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also tracking a separate, smaller outbreak of the parasite that has sickened 72 people, with potential links to a different contaminated item.
Health officials are recommending thorough handwashing and washing of all fresh produce before preparation. For foods where contamination is suspected, cooking to an internal temperature of at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) is advised to kill the parasite.
In addition to the parasite outbreak, President Trump also reiterated a threat to impose tariffs on Canada, citing concerns over toxic smoke from wildfires that have affected air quality in the northern United States.