The 17 state cyclospora outbreak has grown to include 10,930 people sick with 454 hospitalized and two deaths, according to the CDC. Most of these people got sick before Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled its iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico; much of that lettuce was served at Taco Bell restaurants.
That is an increase of 1,449 patients from the last update issued on August 13, 2026. This is the lowest increase since the outbreak began and may indicate that it is finally slowing down.
The case count by state is: Arkansas (82), Illinois (272), Indiana (726), Iowa (120), Kansas (305), Kentucky (277), Maine (12), Massachusetts (18), Michigan (4,662), Missouri (927), Nebraska (189), New Hampshire (41), North Carolina (2), Ohio (2,678), Oklahoma (235), Pennsylvania (235), and West Virginia (149). Illness onset dates range from June 14, 2026 to August 11, 2026. The patient age range was not mentioned. At least 454 people have been hospitalized. Two people who lived in Michigan have died.
These numbers are still lower than the numbers the individual states are reporting. Michigan alone is reporting 14,277 cases and Ohio has 3,364. The discrepancy happens because of different counting methods.
Epidemiological and traceback evidence has found that iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico was contaminated with cyclospora and made people sick. The best by dates for the recalled products has passed and they should no longer be available in stores or restaurants.
An FDA Enforcement Report revealed that the iceberg lettuce was not only sold to Taco Bell restaurants, but also went to Walmart, Subway, Jack in the Box, and was used in Taylor Farms bagged salads, including their garden salad.
This outbreak will likely still grow, since there is typically a six week lag time between when a person gets sick, sees a doctor, is diagnosed, and that illness is reported to public health officials. The six week period ends on July 28, 2026.
If you have been experiencing the symptoms of cyclosporiasis, see your doctor. You may be part of this outbreak or the larger 47-state outbreak.
