The nationwide cyclospora outbreak sickens 27,557 people in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That number is accurate as of August 17, 2026. There are 15,716 confirmed cases and 11,841 possible cases. For comparison, last year between May 1 and August 31, there were 1,180 cases reported in the entire country.
The only states not included in this outbreak are New Mexico, Hawaii, and Delaware. The patient age range is from 1 to 99. Eight hundred twenty eight people have been hospitalized, and two people, who lived in Michigan, have died. The hardest hit states are Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York.
The government is investigating multiple clusters of cyclospora cases, including a large outbreak linked to processed Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce. Some of that lettuce was served in Taco Bell restaurants.
Cyclospora cases may not be limited to the locations with known cases. The multiplier for cyclospora outbreaks in 83.1, which means there could be as many as 2,289,987 people sick with this parasitic infection.
Cyclospora outbreaks are difficult to investigate for several reasons. First, many foods that are suspected consist of multiple produce ingredients, like salads, salsa, or guacamole. That makes it difficult to narrow the investigation down to just one ingredient.
Then, by the time a person gets sick, sees a doctor, is diagnosed, and reported to the government, the food that made them sick has been discarded or eaten. Finding cyclospora oocysts on produce is very difficult. There could be a few dozen in a huge quantity of lettuce, for instance. Whole genome sequencing is not available for cyclospora oocysts. Investigators must use genetic testing that targets specific markers in stool samples to identify clusters.
So far, the suspect foods include iceberg lettuce, cilantro, and parsley. Past outbreaks have been linked to raspberries, bagged salad mixes, snow peas, and green onions. If you have been experiencing the symptoms of cyclosporiasis, which includes frequent, explosive, and watery diarrhea, see your doctor. He or she needs to order a specific test to see if you have this infection. There are antibiotics to treat the infection; other wise symptoms can last for a month or more.
