Over 10,000 Confirmed Cases of Diarrhea Outbreak in the US
Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, linked to imported iceberg lettuce from Mexico.
Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, linked to imported iceberg lettuce from Mexico.
The United States is currently experiencing a major outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. According to the latest data, more than 10,000 cases of this illness, which manifests as severe diarrhea, have been confirmed, with two fatalities reported in the state of Michigan.
Figures on the scale of the outbreak vary depending on the source and the time of data collection. The French newspaper Le Figaro, citing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports 6,707 confirmed cases between May 1 and July 27, 2026, of which 423 required hospitalization. On the other hand, the German public broadcaster Tagesschau cites more recent CDC figures, with 10,468 confirmed infections and an additional 12,255 unconfirmed cases requiring further investigation. Tagesschau also reports 517 hospitalizations.
The investigation has identified iceberg lettuce from the brand Taylor Farms, imported from Mexico, as the likely source of some infections. This lettuce was served in Taco Bell restaurants across nine states. On July 17, 2026, the producer initiated a recall of all its lettuce originating from central Mexico. However, health authorities note that not all reported cases are linked to this specific lettuce.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed that the two deceased individuals had significant underlying chronic health conditions that may have been exacerbated by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. The CDC generally states that this illness is not life-threatening. To prevent further spread, the Michigan Department of Health issued a stern warning: "Do not consume the recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from Mexico. If you purchased the recalled lettuce, throw it away or return it."
The CDC, for its part, advises the public to "wash all fresh produce under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking" and emphasizes that "cooking eliminates the parasite." By the end of July, the outbreak had affected 45 of the 50 U.S. states. The parasite is transmitted through food or water contaminated with feces, and cyclosporiasis outbreaks are most common in the summer and are associated with the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
