US Cyclospora outbreak sickens thousands

A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne parasitic infection caused by Cyclospora, has sickened nearly 7,000 people across 34 US states as of mid-July 2026. The Midwest is hardest hit, with United States — Michigan reporting over 3,700 cases. No deaths have been reported, but hundreds have been hospitalized. The source of the outbreak has not been identified, though preliminary findings suggest lettuce or salad greens may be linked. The CDC and FDA are investigating. Yum! Brands — Taco Bell voluntarily removed lettuce from some United States — Michigan locations as a precaution. The CDC stopped tracking cyclosporiasis through its FoodNet system in 2025, limiting real-time surveillance.