A major Cyclospora outbreak has spread across 15 U.S. states, with federal health officials investigating a connection to recalled iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms as the number of reported illnesses continues to rise.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and state and local health authorities are investigating the multistate outbreak, which has become one of the largest recorded Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States.
More than 25,000 Cyclospora cases have been reported across the country this year, according to the latest reporting, while Michigan has recorded more than 12,000 cases and two deaths.
Cyclospora Outbreak Spreads Across 15 States
The outbreak has now been identified in 15 states, according to federal health officials.
The states linked to the outbreak include Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Health officials have continued adding cases as investigators receive additional information from patients about foods they consumed before becoming sick.
The CDC has warned that case numbers can continue to rise even after a recall because it can take weeks for health departments to determine whether an illness is connected to an ongoing outbreak.
Taylor Farms Lettuce Under Federal Investigation
Federal investigators have focused on iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico as a likely source of the outbreak.
Taylor Farms recalled affected iceberg lettuce on July 17 after the investigation identified a potential connection between the product and Cyclospora illnesses.
The recall involved lettuce distributed through food-service and retail channels, meaning potentially affected products could have reached consumers in multiple states.
The FDA later determined that an earlier positive Cyclospora test on a lettuce sample was a false positive.
However, the agency has continued investigating the lettuce as a likely source based on other evidence, including traceback information and interviews with people who became ill.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause an intestinal infection known as cyclosporiasis.
People typically become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
Symptoms can include prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue.
The illness can last for weeks or recur if it is not properly treated.
Most infections are treatable, but severe or prolonged illness can lead to dehydration and other complications.
Michigan Reports More Than 12,000 Cases
Michigan has emerged as the hardest-hit state in the outbreak.
More than 12,000 cases have been reported in the state, along with two deaths.
Health officials have also reported hundreds of hospitalizations associated with the outbreak.
The scale of the outbreak has caused concern among consumers, restaurants and food retailers, with some people avoiding lettuce and other fresh produce because of uncertainty about which products are affected.
Michigan officials have since eased some warnings related to lettuce after reviewing updated information.
FDA and CDC Continue Investigation
The FDA and CDC are continuing to investigate the outbreak and identify additional illnesses and possible sources.
Federal officials say the outbreak investigation has expanded as additional states and cases have been identified.
The FDA is also monitoring other foodborne illness investigations while working with state and local health departments.
Consumers should check official recall information before eating products that may be affected and should not assume that all lettuce or fresh produce is contaminated.
Cyclospora Outbreak: What We Know
Country: United States
Illness: Cyclosporiasis
Cause: Cyclospora parasite
States linked to outbreak: 15
Reported U.S. cases: More than 25,000 this year
Hardest-hit state: Michigan
Michigan cases: More than 12,000
Michigan deaths: 2
Product under investigation: Recalled iceberg lettuce
Supplier linked to investigation: Taylor Farms de Mexico
Recall date: July 17, 2026
Investigation: CDC, FDA and state and local health authorities
Status: Ongoing
The Cyclospora outbreak remains under investigation as federal and state health officials continue identifying illnesses and tracing possible sources.
Consumers should rely on current CDC and FDA guidance and check recall notices rather than avoiding all lettuce or fresh produce.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional states, cases or recalled products could be identified as health officials receive more information.