The CDC reports that approximately 7,000 people nationwide are involved in multiple outbreaks of infection with the microscopic Cyclospora parasite.
The food-borne parasite has infected people in 34 states, according to a July 14 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency previously reported 843 confirmed cases. Currently, the CDC is reporting 5,100 more suspected cases. As of 2025, CDC has counted 249 confirmed cases.
Michigan officials reported July 14 that there were 3,309 confirmed cases in Michigan. Officials in the state reported July 13 that they believe lettuce and/or salad mix was the source of the parasite, but no single grower, supplier or brand has yet been identified.
New York and Ohio are each reporting hundreds of confirmed cases.
The CDC’s tally was hampered by the fact that the agency stopped tracking Cyclospora infections on July 1, 2025. The agency previously required the state to report case numbers.
“For weeks, the distance between what the state calculated and what Atlanta announced was the whole story. This week, the agency finally stepped up, alerted every clinician and laboratory across the country and named the outbreak. That’s what a functioning surveillance system should do,” said Bill Marler, a food safety expert and attorney.
The ages of patients identified by the CDC so far range from 2 to 95 years old, the average age is 44 years old, and 56% are women. Of the 1,645 case patients for whom information was available, 141 (9%) were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.
Taco Bell restaurants in the Detroit, Michigan area posted signs saying they had stopped serving lettuce and other fresh produce due to the recall, but no recalls were issued. Some of the Michigan patients reported eating at Taco Bell before becoming sick, but many did not.
CNN reported that the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Joint Outbreak Response and Assessment Network is conducting traces of cilantro, white onions, green onions and cucumbers in Illinois, New York City, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas for a variety of cases that appear to be linked to Mexican-style restaurants, grocery chains and catering events, according to an internal email message from the CDC.
The incubation period before Cyclospora infection begins to cause symptoms can be up to two weeks after exposure. Symptoms may last for a month or more.
Michigan officials said it will take time for the agency to complete its investigation due to the complex food distribution network in the state and across the country.
According to the Michigan Department of Health, “Recreational water exposure, such as lake swimming, is not recognized as a risk factor for cyclosporiasis, and there is currently no evidence linking recreational water activities to this outbreak.”
“Although people should always avoid swallowing recreational water, foodborne exposure, particularly exposure to contaminated produce, remains a major focus of the investigation into this outbreak.”
Anyone who develops symptoms of Cyclospora infection and has reason to believe they have been exposed to the parasite should seek medical attention. Specific tests are required and antibiotics are used to fight parasites.
Cyclospora infection can cause severe abdominal pain, severe watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and fatigue. Symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure. Without treatment, symptoms may last for a month or more.
