A growing cyclospora outbreak is raising concern across the United States as thousands of people report prolonged diarrhea and other intestinal symptoms.
Health officials are still trying to identify the exact source, but early investigations in Michigan point to lettuce or salad greens as a possible cause, while other foods have not been ruled out.
Cases Reported Across Multiple States
The CDC said that since May 1, 2026, it has received 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 5,100 additional cases that require further analysis.
Cases have been reported in 34 states, and 141 people with available information have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Michigan health officials reported 2,640 cases as of July 13 and said current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a possible source, though no specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified.
What Is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
People usually become infected by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. The CDC says direct person-to-person spread is unlikely because Cyclospora typically needs one to two weeks in the environment before becoming infectious.
Symptoms Can Last for Weeks
Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure, though they can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks or more.
Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Without treatment, symptoms may last from several days to more than a month and can return after briefly improving.
Who Faces the Highest Risk?
Most healthy adults recover, but the illness can be more serious for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
The main concern is dehydration, especially when diarrhea is frequent or prolonged. People with ongoing watery diarrhea should contact a health-care provider and specifically ask about diarrhea should contact a health-care provider and specifically ask about cause routine stool tests may not always detect it.
Treatment Is Available
Cyclosporiasis can be treated with the antibiotic combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sold under names such as Bactrim, Septra or Cotrim.
The CDC also advises rest and drinking plenty of fluids during illness. People allergic to ak with a health-care provider about other options.
Should People Avoid Fresh Produce?
Experts are not advising everyone to stop eating fruits and vegetables.
Fresh produce remains an important part of a healthy diet, but consumers should take extra precautions while the outbreak investigation continues. Whole fruits and vegetables may be a better option than highly handled, precut or bagged products, especially for people trying to reduce risk.
Foods to Be More Careful With
Health officials say lettuce and salad greens are currently under investigation as a possible source.
Michigan’s guidance recommends buying whole heads of lettuce instead of prewashed bagged lettuce or salad mixes, discarding the outer two to three layers of leaves and washing the inner leaves under running water. For cooked, cooking is considered the safest option.
Produce Linked to Past Outbreaks
Cyclospora outbreaks have previously been linked to several types of fresh produce.
Past examples include raspberries, basil, cilantro, salad mixes, fruit mixes, coleslaw, vegetable trays, lettuce and snap peas. Because the current source has not been confirmed, consumers should be cautious with raw produce that is difficult to wash thoroughly.
Precut and Bagged Produce Carries More Handling Risk
Bagged salads and precut produce may pass through more handling and processing steps before reaching consumers.
That does not mean all packaged produce is unsafe, but during an active outbreak with an unknown source, experts recommend choosing whole produce when possible and washing it carefully at home.
Taco Bell Removes Ingredients as Precaution
Taco Bell has reportedly removed some fresh ingredients at select locations while health agencies continue investigating the outbreak.
No specific restaurant, supplier or food item has been confirmede, and public-health investigations remain ongoing.
Avoid Damaged or Moldy Produce
Consumers should avoid fruits and vegetables that are bruised, damaged or moldy.
Damaged areas can hold microbes more easily, so any bruised or spoiled sections should be cut away before preparation. If the produce looks unsafe or smells bad, it should be discarded.
High-Risk People May Need Extra Caution
People with weakened immune systems may want to take stronger precautions until the source is identified.
That could mean choosing cooked vegetables, peeled fruits, frozen produce or canned options instead of raw leafy greens and herbs during the outbreak.
The Wrong Way to Wash Produce
Washing produce with soap, bleach, household cleaners or chemical disinfectants is not recommended.
These products are not meant to be eaten and may leave harmful residues. CDC guidance also notes that chemical sanitizing may not fully eliminate Cyclospora, so thorough washing under clens important even for produce labeled “pre-washed.”
Chlorine Is Not a Reliable Solution
Cyclospora can be difficult to kill with routine chemical disinfection.
CDC guidance says routine sanitizing is unlikely to fully remove the parasite from contaminated food or water, especially in sitution occurred before the produce reached the store.
The Right Way to Wash Produce
Consumers should wash their hands with soap and water before and after handling raw fruits and vegetables.
All produce should be washed under clean running water before eating, cutting or cooking. Firm fruits and vegetables, such as cucumoes, should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush.
Washing Helps, But Does Not Guarantee Safety
Washing produce can reduce contamination, but it cannot guarantee that Cyclospora will be completely removed.
This is especially true for leafy greens, herbs and delicate berries, where the parasite can be hard to wash away. Peeling fruits and vegetables can reduce risk because it removes the outer surface where contamination may be present.
Cooking Is the Safest Option
Cooking is one of the most reliable ways to reduce risk.
Michigan health officials say cooking produce to at least 158°F, or 70°C, kills Cyclospora. That makes cooked vegetables a lower-riswhile the outbreak is still under investigation.
Prevent Cross-Contamination at Home
Food-safety experts also recommend keeping unwashed produce away from ready-to-eat foods.
Cutting boards, knives, counters and hands should be cleaned properly after handling raw produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables should also be stored sed produce should be refrigerated within two hours.
Stay Updated on Food Safety Alerts
CDC officials are urging people to follow standard food-safety practices and monitor outbreak updates.
Because the source has not been confirmed, new guidance may be issued as investigators learn more. Consumers should watch for public-health alerts that name specific foods, suppliers, restaurants or regions.
The cyclospora outbreak has created understandable concern, especially because the exact source has not yet been confirmed. Lettuce and salad greens are suspected in Michigan, but investigators have not identified a specific grower, supplier or product.
For most people, the safest approach is not panic but caution: choose whole produce when possible, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, peel when practical, cook greens if possible and avoid risky raw produce if you are medically vulnerable. Anyone with prolonged watery diarrhea should seek medical care and ask about Cyclospora testing.