Cyclospora cases surge across multiple US states

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A parasite that can lead to cases of explosive diarrhea is spreading nationwide. Michigan has been the hardest hit, new data shows (AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images

This map from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows cases of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. as of May 1, 2026. ‘Cyclosporiasis cases may not be limited to these states with known cases. The true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis was likely higher than the number reported,’ the agency says. (CDC) CDC

‘We are currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro, Onion, Pico de Gallo and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall,’ the notice outside some Taco Bell locations read (Getty) Getty

Exposure to the cyclospora parasite leads to cyclosporiasis, a stomach bug that can cause explosive diarrhea (CDC) CDC

Past outbreaks have been linked to bagged salad mixes and other produce, like cilantro, basil and snow peas (PA) independent.co.uk

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Michigan health officials have reported more than 700 cases of cyclosporiasis as of early July, as investigators across multiple US states try to identify what is driving a surge of infections linked to the Cyclospora parasite. The Independent reports that cases have also been recorded in states including Ohio, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Texas, with patients typically reporting no recent travel outside the United States.

Cyclospora is usually associated with contaminated produce, and the difficulty is that the supply chain obscures the moment when contamination happens. The Independent notes that past outbreaks have been linked to items such as bagged salad mixes and herbs, and that symptoms can begin days to weeks after exposure—long after receipts are discarded and ingredients have been mixed across kitchens, restaurants and distribution centres. Diagnosis requires stool testing, and untreated illness can last for weeks, pushing some patients into emergency care for dehydration.

The numbers themselves show how messy surveillance can be. The Independent cites Michigan’s state count rising sharply over days, while CDC figures cited in the same reporting list far fewer national cases and note there is “no evidence of a single multi-state outbreak,” instead describing multiple clusters. That leaves local health departments conducting interviews and trying to reconstruct diets one meal at a time, while national authorities hesitate to name a single culprit without a common exposure.

Businesses are reacting faster than investigators can conclude. In Metro Detroit, Taco Bell posted notices saying it could not sell items including lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo and guacamole because of a nationwide recall, according to The Independent. The company did not identify a supplier in the notices, and reporting said it was unclear whether anyone who ate at Taco Bell had become ill. The move illustrates the asymmetry: a chain can pull ingredients immediately to limit risk and liability, while public agencies must meet a higher evidentiary bar before they can point to a source.

Cyclosporiasis is generally treatable with antibiotics, and no deaths have been reported in the current wave, The Independent reports. But the outbreak has already turned ordinary produce into a moving target for both regulators and restaurants.

In Michigan, officials who typically see about 50 cases a year are now counting hundreds, and customers are being told their tacos will arrive without the fresh toppings.