CDC Reports Over 6700 Cyclospora Cases Linked to Iceberg Lettuce from Taylor Farms

The CDC reported 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cyclospora cases across 45 states as of July 28, 2026, a sharp increase from the same period in 2025.

A major multistate outbreak drove much of the surge. Investigators traced 1,947 of those cases to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, served at Taco Bell locations across nine states.

Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17, 2026, covering both retail and food service products. At least 98 hospitalizations were linked to this specific outbreak. Illnesses began June 22 and continued through July 20.

In addition to the domestically acquired cases, the CDC recorded 1,018 internationally acquired cases with 42 hospitalizations. More than 11,500 additional cases remain under investigation.

The CDC issued a Health Alert Network notice on July 14, 2026, urging healthcare providers to specifically request Cyclospora testing, since routine parasite exams often miss the infection.

Standard treatment is a 7 to 10 day course of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The CDC advises the public to wash fresh produce thoroughly, though chemical sanitizers may not fully eliminate the parasite. Cooking produce to 158 degrees Fahrenheit kills Cyclospora.

No deaths have been reported in connection with the 2026 season cases.