Cyclosporiasis map shows U.S. cases as CDC updates advice

A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) map shows confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis across 34 states, as federal health officials warned that the true scale of the outbreak is likely far larger than current national figures suggest and updated their surveillance data this week.

In an update published July 14, the agency said it has received reports of 1,645 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, along with 141 hospitalizations and no deaths.

The CDC also said it is aware of more than 5,100 additional cases that require further analysis before they can be confirmed as domestically acquired infections. Cases have now been reported in 34 states.

“Multiple states have reported an increase in cases compared to the same period in 2025,” the agency said, adding that case counts are expected to continue rising as additional reports are received and confirmed.

Newsweek has contacted the CDC for comment.

Updated Advice from the CDC

Alongside the surveillance update, the CDC reiterated advice for people experiencing symptoms including watery diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss to contact a healthcare provider and seek testing for the parasite.

The agency said consumers should continue taking precautions with fresh produce as investigators work to identify the source of multiple ongoing outbreaks. Federal officials have not yet identified a food item responsible for the nationwide surge.

The CDC is currently investigating a multistate outbreak alongside the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state partners but said efforts to identify and confirm the source remain ongoing.

Why Do State and CDC Numbers Differ?

There is a disparity between the numbers reported by the CDC and those being reported at a state level.

The CDC addressed this issue directly in its July 14 update, saying states are likely reporting significantly higher numbers than appear in federal data because of reporting delays and differences in how cases are classified.

The agency said it is “working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed.”

That reporting lag helps explain why the CDC’s latest national total of 1,645 confirmed domestic cases is far lower than some state figures.

Michigan alone has reported more than 3,300 cases, underscoring how quickly state-level numbers can outpace federal surveillance totals during an active outbreak.

The CDC said it is also aware of more than 5,100 additional cases that require further analysis to determine whether they qualify as domestically acquired cyclosporiasis and should be included in national surveillance totals. Those figures suggest the outbreak’s true scale is significantly larger than the current confirmed count.

What Is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected after consuming contaminated food or water.

Symptoms typically appear around a week after exposure and can include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Frequent and sometimes “explosive” bowel movements
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

While most patients recover, severe cases can require hospitalization. No deaths linked to the current U.S. outbreak have been reported.

Foods Linked to Previous Cyclospora Outbreaks

No specific food has been linked to the current outbreak.

However, health officials and food safety experts say previous U.S. outbreaks have frequently been associated with fresh produce, including:

• Leafy greens
• Lettuce
• Cilantro
• Basil
• Green onions
• Snow peas
• Raspberries
• Other fresh berries
• Fresh herbs

Earlier this week, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services advised that several of those foods are safest when thoroughly washed and, where possible, cooked before consumption.

Taco Bell Issues Statement on Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

Taco Bell said on Tuesday that it had removed limited items from some restaurants as a precautionary measure but said that U.S. health officials have not linked the outbreak to the chain.

“The health and safety of our guests is our top priority. Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer,” Taco Bell Corp told Newsweek.

“While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities.”

The statement comes as Taco Bell locations have removed key fresh ingredients from their menus, per news reports by local media outlet WWJ and posts on social media.

Health officials continue working to identify the source of a surge in cyclosporiasis cases reported across dozens of states.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Ben Kelly and Cristina Diciu.