Infections caused by the Cyclospora parasite continue to ravage the country, with more than 20,000 confirmed cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking at least two outbreaks, one of which is linked to a Taco Bell restaurant that served iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. The CDC reports that the outbreak has spread across nine states and has infected at least 1,947 people.
The nine states involved in the outbreak are Kansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. These states are among 41 states where CDC has confirmed 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis and more than 11,500 additional cases awaiting confirmation.
The CDC said the overall tally likely includes multiple outbreaks. For example, in Michigan alone, 10,077 cases were reported as of July 29, an increase of 397 the previous day. More than 2,500 cases have been reported in Ohio alone.
“State data may include probable and confirmed cases, which may result in higher case counts than CDC is reporting. CDC is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are identified,” according to an agency statement.
The outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms served at Taco Bell restaurants began on June 22, with the most recent case identified on July 19, according to the CDC. The state may have confirmed more cases since then.
Taylor Farms initiated a recall of iceberg lettuce from its central Mexico growing region on July 17. Because case counts peaked on June 24 and July 9, the lettuce involved was likely already consumed or expired when Taylor Farms initiated the recall.
Taylor Farms has a history of food poisoning outbreaks. The following is a list of investigative documents dating back to 2009.
2026, Cyclospora, iceberg lettuce. FDA Investigations Page and CDC Investigation Updates.
2024, E. coli O157:H7, onions sold at McDonald’s. CDC Investigation Updates and FDA Outbreak Investigation.
2021, E. coli O121:H19, romaine lettuce. NORS Report and Outbreak Summary Slide.
2015, E. coli O157:H7, Costco Rotisserie Chicken Salad. Last update from CDC. Taylor Farms has recalled a mixture of chopped celery and onions in its salads, but the FDA recall notice is no longer available online, but it has never been officially considered a common source.
2013, Cyclospora, bagged salad mix. MMWR notes from the field, CDC’s 2013 Outbreak Investigation Page, FDA Environmental Assessmentand Nebraska and Iowa Area Survey.
2009, Salmonella Typhimurium, chopped lettuce. A contemporary report from the Oregonianfurthermore backtracking and Oregon Health Alert — both are still edited 17 years later.
Introduction to Cyclospora
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. Although symptoms can be severe enough to send people to the hospital, death from Cyclospora infection is rare.
Symptoms may last for a month or more and may recur for several months if left untreated.
Cyclospora is a type of protozoa, which are single-celled organisms. It is spread when people ingest contaminated feces, usually through contaminated food or water. Unlike E. coli or Salmonella, which can also be transmitted in animal feces, it can only be transmitted through human feces.
Previous outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in the United States have been linked to various types of fresh produce, including lettuce, basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and peas.
Food safety experts say there is no evidence that washing produce removes parasites because they are embedded in the flesh of produce.
