Cyclospora infections surge past record 4,700 cases, Michigan officials eye lettuce
10 reported4 unconfirmed
Infections from the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora are surging in 2026, with state-level data showing the number of infections surpassing the previous U.S. record of about 4,700 set in 2019. More than 30 states have reported infections this year. Health officials have not definitively identified the cause, but believe cases in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia are linked. Michigan, with more than 3,300 cases, says early information points to lettuce or salad greens as a possible culprit after more than 1,000 patient interviews. The Taco Bell chain voluntarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution. Federal officials have not confirmed whether they are investigating any specific vendor. The CDC issued a health alert noting 1,645 confirmed domestic cases since May 1 and more than 5,100 requiring further analysis, with no deaths reported.
What’s reported
2026 is already the worst year for reported cyclospora cases in the U.S., surpassing the 2019 record of about 4,700.
More than 30 states have reported infections.
Michigan has reported more than 3,300 cases; northwest Ohio more than 1,100; New York City more than 400; Illinois more than 200.
Michigan officials, after more than 1,000 patient interviews, say lettuce or salad greens are a common product in the investigation.
Michigan advised consumers to buy whole heads of lettuce, discard outer layers, wash thoroughly, and avoid bagged lettuce and pre-mixed salad kits.
Taco Bell voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution.
CDC officials said cases in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia are believed to be linked.
The CDC health alert since May 1 reports 1,645 confirmed domestic cases and more than 5,100 requiring further analysis from 34 states; no deaths reported.
Cyclospora causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements, per the CDC.
Experts attribute the increasing trend to climate change and better detection.
Open questions
The specific food or source causing the infections has not been definitively identified.
Whether federal officials are investigating Taco Bell or any specific food vendor or distributor.
How many reports came from each state in the federal alert.
Why CDC believes cases in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia are part of the same outbreak.
Key figures
Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan health department’s chief medical executive
Donald Prater, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Food, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Gwen Biggerstaff, deputy director of CDC’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases
Mike Stobbe, Associated Press reporter
Dee-Ann Durbin, Associated Press reporter in Detroit
Sources: statnews.com
