Cyclosporiasis Outbreak 2026: CDC Expands Cyclospora Probe to 9 States, Warns Against Recalled Iceberg Lettuce

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state health officials are investigating a growing multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce, with illnesses now reported across nine states.

The CDC said the outbreak has been traced to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, prompting a recall of all affected products sourced from central Mexico.

Health officials are urging consumers not to eat the recalled lettuce and to throw it away or return it to the place of purchase if they still have it. Federal health officials are urging clinicians to remain alert for the parasite-linked illness while investigators work to identify all the contaminated food responsible for the growing outbreak.

What Did the CDC Say?

According to the CDC, investigators have linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce distributed by Taylor Farms de Mexico.

On July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms initiated a voluntary recall covering all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico after public health officials connected the products to multiple Cyclospora infections.

The CDC advised consumers:

• Do not eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.
• Throw away or return recalled products.
• Restaurants, retailers, and food service operators should not serve or sell the recalled lettuce.

The agency said it continues to work with the FDA and state partners to determine whether additional products may be affected.

What is Cyclospora and who is most at risk?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water.

Fresh produce including leafy greens, herbs and berries has been linked to previous U.S. outbreaks, although officials have not connected this year’s outbreak to any specific product.

Without treatment, symptoms can persist for several weeks or recur.

The illness is treated with the prescription antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), while no highly effective alternative exists for patients allergic to sulfa medications, according to the CDC.

Health officials urge vigilance

In its Health Alert Network notice, the CDC advised healthcare providers to consider Cyclospora infection in patients with prolonged or relapsing diarrhea, particularly during the summer months when cases typically increase.

The agency also emphasized that routine gastrointestinal tests do not always detect Cyclospora unless specifically requested, meaning some infections could be missed without targeted laboratory testing.

Health officials have not issued a recall because investigators have not yet identified the contaminated food item.

Until a source is confirmed, the CDC says consumers should continue practicing safe food handling, while recognizing that rinsing produce alone may not completely remove the parasite.

What Should Consumers Do?

Anyone who purchased recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico should dispose of it immediately or return it to the retailer.

People who recently consumed recalled lettuce and develop persistent diarrhea or other symptoms of Cyclospora infection should contact a healthcare provider. The illness is treatable with prescription antibiotics, but diagnosis often requires specific laboratory testing.

The CDC said the investigation remains ongoing and additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.