Cyclospora Outbreak Declared Over: Nearly 20,000 Sickened in Largest U.S. Foodborne Illness Event
Key Takeaway:
The 2026 Cyclospora outbreak, the largest on record in the United States, has been declared over by federal health officials. Nearly 20,000 people were sickened nationwide, with a major cluster linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The FDA’s root cause investigation continues as authorities urge vigilance in food safety and prevention.
Cyclospora Outbreak Ends After Record U.S. Case Count
Federal health officials have declared the 2026 Cyclospora outbreak over, ending a record-setting wave of foodborne illness that sickened nearly 20,000 people across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the outbreak, which spanned from May through August, was the largest ever recorded for cyclosporiasis in the country. The majority of cases were traced to a multistate cluster linked to processed iceberg lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico.
Outbreak by the Numbers
| Metric | Total Season (All Cases) | Iceberg Lettuce Cluster |
|---|---|---|
| Total cases | 19,883 | 12,883 |
| Hospitalizations | 1,064 | 570 |
| Deaths | 2 | 2 (Michigan) |
| States affected | 49 plus the District of Columbia | 21 |
| Most affected state | Michigan | Michigan |
| Outbreak status | Over | Over |
- The CDC’s official case data show 19,883 laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases nationwide during the 2026 season.
- The iceberg lettuce outbreak accounted for 12,883 cases, 570 hospitalizations, and two deaths, both in Michigan.
- Michigan was the hardest-hit state, reporting over 14,700 cases.
Source and Recall: Taylor Farms de Mexico
The outbreak’s largest cluster was traced to processed iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. On July 17, 2026, the company voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, including Marketside-brand salads distributed to major retailers. The FDA confirmed that all recalled product is now off the market. The CDC and FDA have declared the outbreak over, but the FDA’s root cause investigation remains ongoing.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that infects the human intestinal tract, causing the illness cyclosporiasis. The infection is typically contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with feces containing the parasite. In the United States, outbreaks are most often linked to fresh produce, especially imported fruits and vegetables. The parasite is not spread directly from person to person.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms usually appear about one week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Some people may experience vomiting or low-grade fever. Diagnosis requires specialized laboratory testing of stool samples. The recommended treatment is the antibiotic combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Most people recover quickly with proper therapy.
Prevention
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.
- Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated, especially when traveling.
- Practice safe food handling and good hygiene.
- Cooking food kills the Cyclospora parasite.
For more information, visit the CDC Cyclosporiasis page.
Ongoing FDA Investigation and Food Safety Efforts
While the immediate risk from the implicated iceberg lettuce has ended, the FDA continues its root cause investigation to prevent future outbreaks. The agency is working with Mexican authorities and industry partners to strengthen food safety protocols and supplier verification. The outbreak has also renewed calls for increased inspections of imported produce.
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