DeadHealthTimeline
U.S. Cyclospora Outbreak
Updated 13 updatessince 46 outlets
The 2026 U.S. Cyclospora outbreak has led to over 5,000 infections nationwide, primarily in Michigan, with health officials investigating potential sources including Taco Bell and lettuce.
Timeline
Now
Number of Cyclospora infections in the United States has risen to over 4,000, prompting health authorities to investigate the source of the outbreak, with Taco Bell and lettuce suspected.
2 sources · BBC, NPR
Michigan health officials reported a dramatic rise in cyclosporiasis cases, now numbering over 2,640.
7 sources · NPR, Washington Post
Michigan Cases Surge Past 3,000
EscalationMichigan reported a dramatic increase in Cyclospora cases, surpassing 3,000 infections, which is part of a nationwide outbreak involving over 1,000 cases across 31 states.
5 sources · Axios, Medicaldaily
Cyclospora infections have surged to over 4,000 cases nationwide, with Michigan reporting the highest count at more than 3,300.
4 sources · Washington Post, Ars Technica
Fifteen individuals in Texas have been hospitalized with Cyclosporiasis as the number of reported cases continues to climb across the U.S. Various Texas counties report dozens of additional cases linked to this outbreak, raising alarm among health officials
6 sources · NPR, Washington Post
New York state health officials reported that cyclosporiasis cases have reached approximately 470 statewide, adding to the growing national outbreak.
7 sources · BBC, CBS News
Cyclospora Cases Exceed 1,000 Nationwide
EscalationCyclospora outbreak continues to grow, with over 1,000 reported cases of the parasite across 31 states, including Michigan, which is experiencing its largest outbreak.
4 sources · AP, CNN
Michigan health officials confirmed over 700 new cases of cyclosporiasis today, raising concerns about fresh produce as a potential source.
6 sources · ABC News, Axios
Virginia and Maryland health officials reported cases of cyclosporiasis, contributing to the multistate outbreak that has already affected 31 states.
8 sources · Washington Post, USA Today
Taco Bell has taken proactive measures amid the growing Cyclospora outbreak, removing fresh ingredients such as lettuce, cilantro, and guacamole from its menu at many locations across the country.
3 sources · Washington Post, Forbes
Health officials reported that Texas has seen a substantial increase in Cyclospora cases, now nearly surpassing New York, which has previously led in reported infections.
8 sources · NPR, Washington Post
CDC Reports 145 New Cyclospora Cases
EscalationCDC reported an increase of 145 confirmed cases of cyclospora in 17 states, including incidents in Florida and Georgia.
7 sources · New York Times, ABC News
CDC confirmed today that the number of Cyclospora infections has surpassed 5,000 nationwide, further complicating efforts to identify the source of the outbreak.
2 sources · BBC, ABC News
- Origin Jun 24, 2026
The story so far
As of July 14, 2026
A nationwide foodborne-illness investigation is underway into a fast-growing outbreak of Cyclospora, a parasite causing severe gastrointestinal illness. State and federal health agencies, restaurant chains, and produce suppliers are racing to identify the contaminated ingredient and cut off exposure as thousands fall ill across dozens of states. As of now, the case count has surpassed 4,000, with Michigan reporting the highest number of infections at over 3,300.
The arc began with surging case clusters in Michigan that quickly signaled something bigger, then spread across at least 31 states. New York reported approximately 470 infections, and Texas has confirmed 15 hospitalizations, highlighting the outbreak's national reach. Early attention centered on fresh produce as the likely vehicle, with investigators now focusing on lettuce as a potential source.
Now the case count has surpassed 4,000, and health authorities are probing supply chains with Taco Bell and lettuce among the leading suspects. Investigators are using patient interviews and traceback work to test whether a common ingredient connects the disparate clusters. The situation remains dynamic as health officials work to identify the source.
No definitive source has been confirmed, and officials caution that early associations with a specific chain or lettuce are provisional. Case totals vary by jurisdiction and reporting lag, and multi-ingredient meals make it hard to isolate which component carried the parasite.
As investigations continue, health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant about food safety and to report any suspected cases of cyclosporiasis. The situation is evolving, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Each entry is synthesized by AI from the reports linked on it, and labeled with the kind of change it represents. How Frameshift works · What the labels mean · Report an error
In the app
Read this timeline in Frameshift
Four stories are free on the web. The full Vault, with every timeline and brief, is in the app.