A multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico has infected nearly 2,000 people across nine states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the national case count continues to rise during the peak summer season, Utah health officials confirmed that no local infections are currently linked to the ongoing outbreak.
Lettuce Linked to Outbreak
The investigation into the outbreak has identified iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico as the primary source of infection. Epidemiologic and traceback data indicate that shredded iceberg lettuce served at various Taco Bell locations has been a major factor in the spread of the parasite. As a result, Taylor Farms de Mexico has voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, including Marketside-brand products available at Walmart.
Rising National Case Counts
As of July 24, 2026, the CDC reported that the total case count for this specific multistate outbreak has reached 1,947 people. The outbreak includes cases in nine states, with recent additions including Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. The illnesses associated with this cluster began on June 22, 2026, and onset dates have continued through July 20, 2026. At least 98 hospitalizations have been reported, though no deaths have been linked to this specific outbreak.
Utah Remains Unaffected
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) addressed concerns regarding local infections on July 10, 2026. The agency stated that there have not been any Cyclospora infections identified in Utah related to the national outbreak. While a Utah resident without a history of travel was diagnosed with the infection over a month ago, officials confirmed there is no connection to the ongoing multistate event. Utah officials noted that it is normal for the state to see cases of this illness beginning in May.
Broad Seasonal Surge
Nationally, the scope of cyclosporiasis is significantly larger than the specific lettuce-linked outbreak. Since May 1, 2026, the CDC has received reports of 6,707 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis. This represents a substantial increase compared to the same period in 2025, when only 249 cases had been reported by mid-July. The CDC also noted it is aware of more than 11,500 additional cases that are currently awaiting further investigation or laboratory confirmation.
Understanding the Parasite
The current surge in cases is part of the annual cyclosporiasis season, which typically runs from May 1 through August 31. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, which is often transmitted through food or water contaminated with feces. Because the illness is often underdiagnosed or underreported, health officials warn that the true number of infections is likely higher than official counts suggest.
Prevention and Diagnosis
Public health officials recommend that the public thoroughly wash fresh produce with drinking water and peel or cook produce whenever possible to reduce risk. The CDC warned that chemically disinfecting or sanitizing produce may not fully eliminate Cyclospora. For clinicians, the CDC recommends specific diagnostic testing for Cyclospora, as standard ova and parasite examinations may not reliably detect the parasite.
Ongoing Investigations
The FDA has increased screening at the border for products implicated in the outbreak and is working with state partners to collect product samples for analysis. While the current outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce, the CDC continues to investigate other clusters of Cyclospora cases nationally that remain unrelated to the Taylor Farms de Mexico recall.
