The 2026 US cyclospora outbreak, the largest on record

Active · last development Sep 10: “Health officials declare end to largest cyclospora outbreak in history”

What this arc covers

The cyclospora outbreak that spread across U.S. states in the summer of 2026, the largest on record: the rising case counts and deaths, the investigation linking cases to lettuce from Taylor Farms served at Taco Bell and a second cluster not linked to lettuce, the federal response and criticism of it, and the declaration that the outbreak had ended.

United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Earliest story we hold Jun 30, 2026 · 72 stories · 287 independent sources (counted once each) · 72 days

Part ofUnited States Centers for Disease Control and PreventionUnited States Food and Drug AdministrationOhioArkansasNorth CarolinaRobert F. Kennedy Jr.KentuckyIndianaMichigan

Part of Disease outbreaks

  1. The return of measles to the US and the outbreaks in Texas and beyondJan 5, 2024 – Sep 23, 2026
  2. The H5N1 bird flu outbreak in US cattle, poultry and peopleJan 27, 2024 – Nov 22, 2025
  3. New York City's Legionnaires' disease outbreaks from Harlem to the BronxJul 31, 2025 – Sep 13, 2026
  4. The 2026 hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship and the passengers' quarantinesMay 3 – Jul 2, 2026
  5. The 2026 Ebola outbreak in Congo and UgandaMay 15 – Sep 28, 2026
  6. The 2026 US cyclospora outbreak, the largest on recordThis arcJun 30 – Sep 10, 2026
  7. The 2026 salmonella outbreak traced to jalapeños from a Mexican farmAug 4 – Aug 13, 2026

Where it standsnewest first · each bar runs left to right by leaning

Sep 10– 12Health officials declare end to largest cyclospora outbreak in history100 articles · 59 independent sources
8 left, 16 center, 5 right
Sep 7– 9Cyclospora outbreak followed years of declining FDA foreign inspections21 articles · 15 independent sources
0 left, 1 center, 1 right
Sep 4Cyclosporiasis outbreak exposes a weakened US public health system6 articles · 1 independent sources
1 left, 1 center, 1 right

Key momentsthe most covered; every story is below

  1. Jul 6 – 12Cyclosporiasis: California now reporting cases of parasite causing 'explosive diarrhea'176 articles · 51 independent sources
    1. Jul 6What to know about the foodborne parasite outbreak in Texas
    2. Jul 6Cases of 'explosive' diarrhea parasite continue to rise, but officials aren't sure what's causing it
    3. Jul 7Number of cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan rises to over 700
    4. Jul 9Map: Where cases of 'explosive' diarrhea-causing parasitic illness have been reported
    5. Jul 10As cases of 'explosive' diarrhea parasite spike, CDC made some tracking of cyclospora optional last year
  2. Jul 13 – 18Cyclosporiasis Michigan outbreak: Cases rise to 5,002 Friday124 articles · 31 independent sources
    1. Jul 13Cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan jumps past 2,500 cases
    2. Jul 14Hundreds of cyclosporiasis cases reported in North Carolina
    3. Jul 15Only center coverage:CDC investigating nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis amid multistate outbreak
    4. Jul 15Cyclosporiasis Michigan outbreak: Cases rise to 4,312 Thursday
    5. Jul 17Six cases of cyclosporiasis confirmed in Mississippi
  3. Jul 16 – 19Cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to Taco Bell lettuce in 5 states, CDC says395 articles · 103 independent sources
    1. Jul 16Lettuce supplier is possible source of cyclosporiasis outbreak, Washington Post reports
    2. Jul 17Taco Bell removing lettuce nationwide linked to cyclosporiasis in 5 states
    3. Jul 18Only center coverage:Iceberg lettuce recalled in 27 states due to potential cyclospora contamination
    4. Jul 18Only center coverage:Contaminated Taco Bell lettuce may have sparked massive cyclospora surge
  4. Jul 18 – 21Lettuce from Taylor Farms still focus of probe into cyclospora outbreak, FDA says445 articles · 99 independent sources
    1. Jul 18Taylor Farms recalls iceberg lettuce products in 17 states amid Cyclospora outbreak investigation
    2. Jul 19FDA says Taylor Farms cyclospora finding was 'false positive'
    3. Jul 19FDA says it's still investigating Taylor Farms in cyclosporiasis outbreak
    4. Jul 20Cyclospora outbreak: FDA declares Taylor Farms lettuce test false positive, but data still supports recall
    5. Jul 21Only center coverage:What to know about the Taylor Farms lettuce recall as the FDA investigates cyclosporiasis link
  5. Jul 20 – 25Kentucky health officials confirm rise in cyclosporiasis cases119 articles · 48 independent sources
    1. Jul 20Only center coverage:Cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan exceeds 6,000 cases
    2. Jul 21Tracking the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in the US
    3. Jul 22Over 11,000 cases of cyclosporiasis suspected in US: The states seeing spikes
    4. Jul 22New cyclosporiasis outbreak reported, source unknown
    5. Jul 25US authorities expand cyclosporiasis scrutiny
  6. Aug 4 – 10Is lettuce safe to eat now? What to know amid cyclospora outbreak87 articles · 46 independent sources
    1. Aug 4CDC expands largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states
    2. Aug 6Michigan health officials say people can resume regular lettuce-eating habits as new cases of cyclosporiasis slow
    3. Aug 7Michigan Scales Back Lettuce Warning as Outbreak Eases
    4. Aug 8Only lean-left coverage:Is Lettuce Safe to Eat Now? What to Know Amid Cyclospora Outbreak
  7. Sep 10 – 12Health officials declare end to largest cyclospora outbreak in history100 articles · 59 independent sources
    1. Sep 10Only center coverage:Cyclospora outbreak to be declared over
    2. Sep 10US officials declare an end to record-setting cyclospora outbreak, but its origin is still unknown

Who covered it, over timeindependent sources per week, by side

Jun 29Jul 13Jul 27Aug 10Aug 24Sep 7

LeftCenterRight

Point at or tap a week to see its count by side.

Every week as a table
Week ofLeftCenterRightArticles
Jun 29, 2026210491
Jul 6, 202610307205
Jul 13, 20263492261128
Jul 20, 2026316821745
Jul 27, 202611227219
Aug 3, 202620338305
Aug 10, 202616123
Aug 17, 202606026
Aug 24, 202618355
Aug 31, 20261116
Sep 7, 20268176119

22% left · 64% center · 14% right of 287 independent sources among the outlets we track, across 72 stories.

Every storyoldest first

  1. June 2026

    Jun 30– Jul 2CDC monitors parasite outbreak that has sickened over 140 people across 17 states56 articles · 13 independent sources
    2 left, 3 center, 2 right

  2. July 2026

    Jul 1– 3CDC seeks source of parasitic outbreak linked to 'explosive' diarrhea in multiple states29 articles · 7 independent sources
    0 left, 4 center, 0 right
  3. Jul 1– 4CDC investigates parasite that’s caused cases of ‘explosive’ diarrhea in 18 US states8 articles · 8 independent sources
    0 left, 4 center, 2 right
  4. Jul 6– 12Cyclosporiasis: California now reporting cases of parasite causing 'explosive diarrhea'176 articles · 51 independent sources
    8 left, 25 center, 7 right
  5. Jul 7– 8Cyclosporiasis outbreaks: What to know about the foodborne illness and symptoms9 articles · 3 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 0 right
  6. Jul 7– 10200+ cases of diarrhea-causing parasite in North Carolina8 articles · 4 independent sources
    0 left, 3 center, 1 right
  7. Jul 10Cyclosporiasis symptoms, treatment and how it's spread: Everything to know about the intestinal parasitic disease8 articles · 1 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 0 right
  8. Jul 10– 16Four states linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak, CDC warns more could be involved25 articles · 16 independent sources
    4 left, 5 center, 0 right
  9. Jul 10– 17Potential source of ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite, cyclosporiasis, ID’d: report48 articles · 31 independent sources
    2 left, 20 center, 3 right
  10. Jul 13– 15As cyclospora illnesses surge to a record, Michigan officials eye lettuce as a possible cause44 articles · 30 independent sources
    4 left, 9 center, 0 right
  11. Jul 13– 18Cyclosporiasis Michigan outbreak: Cases rise to 5,002 Friday124 articles · 31 independent sources
    5 left, 17 center, 4 right
  12. Jul 13– 20Salad greens scrutinized as cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads21 articles · 14 independent sources
    4 left, 6 center, 1 right
  13. Jul 13– 18Local farms increase safety amid Cyclospora outbreak36 articles · 19 independent sources
    0 left, 14 center, 2 right
  14. Jul 13– 16Cyclosporiasis outbreak: Michigan officials identify leading suspected source of 'explosive' diarrhea parasite66 articles · 15 independent sources
    3 left, 2 center, 2 right
  15. Jul 13– 16Can vinegar kill cyclospora? How to wash produce amid parasite outbreak22 articles · 8 independent sources
    0 left, 3 center, 0 right
  16. Jul 14– 18Chicago consumers react to potential cyclosporiasis outbreak source linked to Taco Bell ID'd by FDA75 articles · 27 independent sources
    3 left, 10 center, 7 right
  17. Jul 14– 15The foods most likely to carry diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora (and which are safe)25 articles · 4 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 0 right
  18. Jul 14– 17Cyclospora outbreak linked to fast-food lettuce in 5 states10 articles · 7 independent sources
    3 left, 4 center, 0 right
  19. Jul 15Health officials warn cyclosporiasis symptoms can relapse13 articles · 5 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 0 right
  20. Jul 16– 19Cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to Taco Bell lettuce in 5 states, CDC says395 articles · 103 independent sources
    19 left, 33 center, 11 right
  21. Jul 16– 18Vegetable supplier Taylor Farms to pull some products amid cyclosporiasis outbreak30 articles · 17 independent sources
    3 left, 7 center, 2 right
  22. Jul 16– 17California farm company identified as possible cyclosporiasis outbreak source: Reports19 articles · 4 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 0 right
  23. Jul 17– 24Cyclosporiasis outbreak hits Taco Bell sales35 articles · 29 independent sources
    3 left, 9 center, 8 right
  24. Jul 17Lawsuit alleges Taco Bell meal in Ohio caused Army veteran's cyclospora infection56 articles · 14 independent sources
    1 left, 4 center, 1 right
  25. Jul 18– 21FDA still focused on lettuce supplier as source of parasite, despite faulty test result25 articles · 22 independent sources
    1 left, 4 center, 1 right
  26. Jul 18– 21Lettuce from Taylor Farms still focus of probe into cyclospora outbreak, FDA says445 articles · 99 independent sources
    20 left, 38 center, 15 right
  27. Jul 20– 25Kentucky health officials confirm rise in cyclosporiasis cases119 articles · 48 independent sources
    10 left, 20 center, 6 right
  28. Jul 20– 22Clark County reports new case of cyclosporiasis during U.S. outbreak6 articles · 2 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 1 right
  29. Jul 20– 22Cyclosporiasis vs. other food poisoning: How to spot the difference18 articles · 7 independent sources
    1 left, 2 center, 0 right
  30. Jul 20Fifth state linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak, investigation still focused on lettuce22 articles · 6 independent sources
    0 left, 3 center, 0 right
  31. Jul 20– 21MS officials urge buying local amid cyclosporiasis outbreak6 articles · 2 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 0 right
  32. Jul 20Federal health officials have investigated 5 different clusters of cyclosporiasis cases, FDA says8 articles · 1 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 0 right
  33. Jul 21– 22RFK Jr. says cyclosporiasis outbreak 'under control' amid 1,600 cases in 5 states25 articles · 12 independent sources
    3 left, 5 center, 3 right
  34. Jul 21– 23Another cyclospora outbreak not linked to lettuce under investigation: FDA91 articles · 33 independent sources
    6 left, 13 center, 3 right
  35. Jul 21What has made the cyclospora behind the US outbreak so challenging to trace?6 articles · 1 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 1 right
  36. Jul 21– 22NC cyclosporiasis cases surge past 500; health officials still looking for source7 articles · 4 independent sources
    1 left, 3 center, 0 right
  37. Jul 21– 25What is safe to eat during cyclosporiasis outbreak, according to a food safety expert23 articles · 13 independent sources
    3 left, 3 center, 1 right
  38. Jul 22– 23Cyclosporiasis outbreak is a master class in miscommunication8 articles · 2 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 2 right
  39. Jul 22Cyclosporiasis outbreak hits Taco Bell sales, unlikely to cause lasting scar, analysts say6 articles · 1 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 1 right
  40. Jul 23– 24Arkansas adds 44 cases of cyclosporiasis intestinal parasite disease in one week7 articles · 4 independent sources
    0 left, 5 center, 0 right
  41. Jul 23Mexico, RFK Jr., Taylor Farms weigh in on cyclospora outbreak6 articles · 1 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 1 right
  42. Jul 23– 30Cyclospora boosts fears that deadlier foodborne outbreaks are ahead16 articles · 13 independent sources
    4 left, 5 center, 0 right
  43. Jul 23– 24CDC deploying detectives to Ohio over cyclosporiasis5 articles · 1 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 0 right
  44. Jul 24– 30More cases reported in cyclospora outbreak not linked to lettuce: FDA data32 articles · 15 independent sources
    3 left, 5 center, 0 right
  45. Jul 25– 29More than 18,200 cyclosporiasis cases now suspected in US: Where it's getting worse67 articles · 19 independent sources
    2 left, 8 center, 1 right
  46. Jul 26– 27Cyclospora outbreak not under control yet, says former FDA commissioner26 articles · 9 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 0 right
  47. Jul 27– 30Cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan grows to more than 10,000 cases29 articles · 7 independent sources
    1 left, 4 center, 3 right
  48. Jul 27Michigan battles cyclosporiasis as it reels from Trump cuts6 articles · 1 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 1 right
  49. Jul 28– 301,100+ cases of explosive diarrhea illness cyclosporiasis reported in Indiana12 articles · 8 independent sources
    0 left, 5 center, 0 right
  50. Jul 29Company at center of cyclospora outbreak complained about inspections, source says6 articles · 1 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 1 right
  51. Jul 29– 31Doctor warns against 'cyclospora skinny' trend19 articles · 11 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 1 right
  52. Jul 30Cyclospora outbreak clouds strong earnings for Taco Bell’s parent company12 articles · 12 independent sources
    1 left, 3 center, 1 right
  53. Jul 31– Aug 6CDC adds 6 new states to Cyclosporiasis outbreak, reports say66 articles · 14 independent sources
    1 left, 10 center, 0 right

  54. August 2026

    Aug 1– 5Why cyclospora can be deadly for some people29 articles · 14 independent sources
    0 left, 7 center, 2 right
  55. Aug 32 deaths reported in cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan as cases surpass 11,0007 articles · 3 independent sources
    0 left, 3 center, 0 right
  56. Aug 3– 4Cyclosporiasis linked to 2 deaths in Michigan44 articles · 15 independent sources
    2 left, 6 center, 0 right
  57. Aug 3– 4Two deaths linked to Cyclosporiasis in Michigan33 articles · 27 independent sources
    7 left, 12 center, 2 right
  58. Aug 3Michigan's cyclosporiasis outbreak kills two people5 articles · 3 independent sources
    1 left, 2 center, 0 right
  59. Aug 3– 42 die in connection with Michigan's cyclosporiasis outbreak25 articles · 7 independent sources
    4 left, 3 center, 0 right
  60. Aug 3– 5ADH: Illness causing 'explosive' diarrhea continues to spread in Arkansas, over 100 cases in Benton County6 articles · 3 independent sources
    0 left, 3 center, 0 right
  61. Aug 4– 10Is lettuce safe to eat now? What to know amid cyclospora outbreak87 articles · 46 independent sources
    11 left, 13 center, 4 right
  62. Aug 4– 6New cyclosporiasis cases reported in northwest Ohio5 articles · 2 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 1 right
  63. Aug 7– 14Arkansas reports 12 more cyclosporiasis cases, raising year’s total to 2759 articles · 4 independent sources
    0 left, 4 center, 0 right
  64. Aug 10– 15Cyclospora spreads through human waste — so how did it get on food?5 articles · 5 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 0 right
  65. Aug 14Sen. Warren demands answers from RFK Jr. over 'calamitous' response to cyclosporiasis outbreak9 articles · 2 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 0 right
  66. Aug 17– 18Cyclospora outbreaks with no confirmed sources grow: FDA6 articles · 3 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 0 right
  67. Aug 18– 20As US's cyclosporiasis cases surpass 15,000, these are the hardest-hit states20 articles · 10 independent sources
    0 left, 5 center, 0 right
  68. Aug 27– 28DOH investigates Hawaii’s 1st locally acquired cyclosporiasis case5 articles · 5 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 0 right
  69. Aug 27– 30Officials tie cyclospora outbreak involving iceberg lettuce to 3 more states50 articles · 20 independent sources
    0 left, 7 center, 3 right

  70. September 2026

    Sep 4Cyclosporiasis outbreak exposes a weakened US public health system6 articles · 1 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 1 right
  71. Sep 7– 9Cyclospora outbreak followed years of declining FDA foreign inspections21 articles · 15 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 1 right
  72. Sep 10– 12Health officials declare end to largest cyclospora outbreak in history100 articles · 59 independent sources
    8 left, 16 center, 5 right