Cyclospora and Iceberg lettuce latest updates.
Latest update –
24 July 2026, CDC and FDA updated that epidemiologic and traceback data continue to show that iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico was contaminated with Cyclospora and made people sick.
19 July 2026, Iceberg lettuce report from Taylor Farms de Mexico was reported as a false positive for Cyclospora by CDC and FDA.
16 July 2026, linked shredded lettuce as a possible source of the Cyclospora outbreak, and on July 17, 2026, FDA traced Taylor Farms as the supplier of this lettuce, and Taylor Farms started voluntary removal of this lettuce.
Cyclospora- Iceberg lettuce possible source of contamination says CDC & FDA
On 24 July 2026, CDC and FDA updated that epidemiologic and traceback data point towards iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de México as the source of cyclospora contamination.
On July 19, 2026, FDA provided an update regarding the sample of Iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de México, which was reported positive on July 18, 2026.
Due to the complexity in detection of Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample, which tested positive on July 18 2026
After analyzing the results, it was found that the results do not represent the true amplification and should be considered false positive. However, a recent update from CDC, which considers epidemiological and traceback data, shows Taco Bell and iceberg lettuce as possible sources of contamination.
Cyclospora epidemiologic data –
State and local health officials are interviewing people about the food they ate in the two weeks before they got sick.
A total of 1947 people infected with Cyclospora reported eating at Taco Bell two weeks before their illness began.
Illnesses linked to this outbreak began on 22 June 2026, and onset dates have continued through 20 July 2026.
98 hospitalizations with 0 deaths have been reported so far.
Latest cyclosporiasis case count –
As of 24 July 2026, the current case count of cyclosporiasis as reported by FDA and CDC is-
Total illnesses – 1947
Hospitalization – 98
Deaths – 0
Why case count mismatch between FDA, CDC, and individual states?
CDC and FDA data are lower compared to cases reported by individual states because CDC and FDA count only laboratory-confirmed cases, whereas individual states data may include probable and confirmed cases both.
Investigation procedure of cyclospora by CDC
CDC is responsible for tracking disease trends, detecting and controlling the outbreak.
How does CDC collect cyclosporiasis data?
CDC collects cyclosporiasis data through routine public surveillance.
Clinicians and clinical laboratories report cases to local and state health departments.
They send case information to CDC via the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) and outbreak-specific reporting channel.
State and local health departments also conduct case investigation using a standardized questionnaire that includes clinical, demographic, and exposure information. They inform CDC if a cluster or outbreak is suspected.
CDC further partners with state public health laboratories, FDA, and other agencies to integrate laboratory data and food traceback information to help identify outbreak sources and inform prevention efforts.
How does CDC investigate an outbreak?
Cyclospora parasite is difficult to track compared to bacteria like Salmonella because whole-genome sequencing is not available for this parasite.
CDC uses genetic testing targeting specific markers on stool samples to group related cases, which helps prioritize traceback.
It works with local, state, and federal partners to combine patient interviews, food traceback through the supply chain, and laboratory testing to find the source of a multistate outbreak.
How does CDC monitor cases?
CDC, along with local and federal partners, monitors the laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclospora all year round to detect any unusual spike in the cases.
Case count rises especially during the spring and summer seasons. The cyclosporiasis season is considered from May 1 till August 31. But sometimes clusters of cyclosporiasis have been detected outside these mentioned dates.
Cyclospora prevention- What you should do?
Avoid iceberg lettuce till further update
CDC and FDA have asked people to stop eating the recalled lettuce. If already bought the recalled lettuce, then throw it away or return it.
Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled lettuce with hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Steps to reduce risk of cyclospora infection-
Wash your hands and any fresh produce thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
Cooking can kill the parasite. Washing alone cannot guarantee cyclospora removal. You can cook the produce to a temperature of at least 158°F (70°C).
Cyclospora symptoms-
- Watery diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Contact your doctor if you suffer from these symptoms to get tested.