Lifestyle

A Parasite Outbreak Linked to Lettuce Has Sickened More Than 6,000 People Across 15 States

By Mike Harper · August 6, 2026

The shredded iceberg lettuce was recalled three weeks ago. The outbreak is still growing.

The CDC and FDA expanded their investigation Wednesday of a parasite outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico to 15 states, with 6,358 confirmed illnesses, at least 278 hospitalizations, and two deaths in Michigan. Federal health officials said the true number of infections is likely far higher.

The parasite — cyclospora — burrows into the lining of the small intestine and can cause weeks of explosive diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue if left untreated. It’s contracted by eating food contaminated with human fecal matter, and it’s been traced to shredded iceberg lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico and served at Taco Bell locations in at least five states.

Taylor Farms recalled the lettuce on July 17. But illnesses have continued through July 31, and health officials said new cases may still be confirmed for weeks because it takes up to six weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of this specific outbreak.

Six states were added to the investigation this week: Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. The original nine states include Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Michigan has been hit hardest, reporting more than 12,000 total cyclosporiasis cases statewide this season, though not all are linked to this specific outbreak.

The scale is unprecedented. Nationwide, the CDC has received reports of more than 10,468 confirmed domestic cyclosporiasis cases this season. An additional 12,255 cases are under investigation. Food safety attorney Bill Marler, who tracks outbreak data independently, estimates the actual number of Americans sickened could be as high as 1 million based on CDC multiplier estimates that account for unreported cases.

The impact extends beyond illness. Foot traffic at Taco Bell has declined every day since July 13 except one, and lettuce sales industrywide have dropped as consumers avoid the product. The FDA is investigating seven separate cyclospora clusters this summer — this outbreak is by far the largest.

Both Michigan deaths involved individuals with significant underlying health conditions. Cyclospora is treatable with a course of the antibiotic Bactrim, but many people don’t seek medical attention for what they assume is a routine stomach illness.

If you experience prolonged diarrhea, nausea, or fatigue after eating raw lettuce or salads, the CDC recommends contacting your healthcare provider. The parasite is not detectable through standard stool tests — a specific cyclospora test must be requested.