Health officials are raising concern over a fast-growing Cyclospora outbreak, with one state seeing an especially sharp rise in infections as cases climb across the country.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 18,000 confirmed and probable Cyclospora infections have been identified across multiple states, marking the biggest US outbreak of the parasite on record.
Michigan has emerged as the main hotspot, with reported cases there reaching 10,773 as of July 30, 2026, with 193 people hospitalized.
That puts the state well ahead of Ohio, which has logged roughly 4,000 confirmed cases and ranks second for total infections.
Officials are advising people, particularly in the Detroit area where many of the illnesses have been reported, to carefully wash and trim produce before eating it.
Federal officials have connected Cyclospora infections in multiple states to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico that was served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. On July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms initiated a recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. A total of 1,947 people infected with Cyclospora and reporting exposure to Taco Bell have been reported by 9 states.
In most years, the CDC says Michigan typically sees only about 50 cases of this parasite.
The US Food and Drug Administration says Cyclospora is spread through food or water contaminated with feces and warns that the illness can cause serious health problems if it is not properly treated.
In a statement, they wrote:
“Most people infected with Cyclospora develop diarrhea, with frequent, bowel movements.
“Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.”
They added:
“Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms. If not treated, the illness may lead to dehydration and severe complications that may require higher levels of care.”
Last month, Taco Bell said it had pulled the “potentially impacted lettuce” from selected states as a precaution.
Speaking on Thursday, July 16, it continued:
“The affected ingredient from our supplier is being indefinitely removed from our supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in select states.
“While no official advisory has been issued, we believe public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities, and we are proud to have consistently acted quickly and proactively to protect our guests.
“Taco Bell has taken precautionary action, and we encourage all relevant restaurants, retailers, and foodservice operators to do the same.”
However, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services noted that no specific type of produce, grower, or supplier has been definitively identified as the source of the Michigan outbreak. While available information indicates that lettuce or salad greens may be a potential source, other food items cannot be completely ruled out.
One woman who was hospitalized with cyclosporiasis after eating at Taco Bell has described the intensity of her symptoms.
She said her illness led to “30-40” trips to the toilet each day.
Speaking with CBS News Detroit, Ella-Salone Jones said:
“They won’t let me go home because I can’t hold anything. I have Stage 5 kidney disease, and if my kidneys dry up, I can pass.”