Atlanta, Georgia — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a major update on the ongoing multi-state cyclospora outbreak, confirming that more than 4,100 people have been infected across 41 states since May 1 as health officials continue investigating one of the nation’s largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years.
The latest figures represent more than double the number of confirmed infections reported just one week earlier, with officials cautioning that additional cases are expected as new reports continue to arrive from across the country.
Confirmed Cases Continue to Climb
According to the CDC, more than 4,100 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have now been reported nationwide.
The agency also confirmed 308 hospitalizations, although no deaths have been linked to the outbreak.
In addition to the confirmed infections, more than 7,000 suspected cases—primarily reported in Michigan and Ohio—have not yet been verified through laboratory testing.
The CDC noted that the confirmed total has already surpassed the 3,955 cases reported during all of 2025, highlighting how quickly this year’s outbreak has grown.
Officials also reminded the public that reported case numbers typically lag behind actual infections.
“We assume a six-week reporting lag between illness onset and case reporting to CDC, so we anticipate that case counts will continue to rise as data are received,” the CDC said.
Michigan Remains the Hardest-Hit State
Health departments in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and New York have collectively reported more than 8,000 illnesses this summer.
Among those states, Michigan has recorded approximately 6,500 reported cases, making it the most heavily affected area so far.
The CDC also believes the real number of infections is likely much higher because many people recover without seeking medical treatment or undergoing laboratory testing.
Investigation Continues Into Possible Source
Federal investigators continue examining the source of the outbreak after tracing many illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce served at select Taco Bell restaurants.
The lettuce was supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico. Following the investigation, Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
The investigation briefly became more complicated after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that one lettuce sample had tested positive for the parasite responsible for cyclosporiasis.
However, officials later determined that result was a false positive.
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Despite that finding, the FDA said its overall investigation still supports the link between the outbreak and shredded lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms.
What People Should Know About Cyclospora
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, which spreads through food or water contaminated with fecal matter from an infected person.
Symptoms typically appear within two weeks after consuming contaminated food and commonly include:
- Sudden watery diarrhea
- Severe stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme fatigue
Health officials encourage anyone experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms after eating fresh produce to seek medical attention, particularly if symptoms become severe or last several days.
With thousands of additional suspected cases still under review, federal health officials expect the outbreak investigation to continue as laboratories process new reports from around the country.
Have you been following this nationwide foodborne illness outbreak? What steps do you take to stay safe when food recalls are announced? Share your thoughts and experiences respectfully in the comments below.
