In the United States, a significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis has emerged, with Michigan identified as the epicenter. As of mid-July 2026, over 3,300 cases have been reported in Michigan alone, contributing to a nationwide total that exceeds 7,000 potential infections. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has traced the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations across five states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. The CDC has confirmed 1,644 cases and is investigating an additional 5,100 potential cases, indicating that the actual number of infections may be much higher due to underreporting and mild cases that go unreported.
The outbreak has raised concerns among public health officials, who suspect that contaminated lettuce or salad greens are the primary sources of infection. Cyclospora, the parasite responsible for the illness, spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, leading to symptoms such as watery and explosive diarrhea. The CDC has issued health alerts advising consumers to avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell in the affected states.
As the investigation continues, Taco Bell has taken precautionary measures by voluntarily removing certain ingredients from its menu. Franchisees in Michigan have stopped serving lettuce altogether to ensure customer safety. The situation has also impacted other restaurants, with some removing lettuce from their menus in response to the outbreak. The health department in Michigan has conducted over 1,000 interviews with patients to gather information about the outbreak, and early findings suggest that lettuce is a common product among those infected.
The rise in cyclosporiasis cases is attributed to various factors, including climate change and improved detection methods. Historically, cyclospora infections were underreported, but the current outbreak has highlighted the need for better surveillance and reporting practices. Public health officials are urging consumers to wash their hands and produce thoroughly, although washing alone may not eliminate the parasite. Cooking food to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit is the only effective way to kill the parasite, which poses a challenge for raw produce like lettuce. As the outbreak unfolds, health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and provide guidance to the public.
