CDC adds four states to cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania have been added to a cyclospora outbreak previously identified in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. The outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico and processed by Taylor Farms.

CDC data show that 1,947 people in the nine states reported eating at Taco Bell and became ill after consuming the contaminated lettuce. Illnesses associated with the lettuce were first recorded on June 22 and continued through July 20.

State health departments have reported more than 12,000 cases of cyclosporiasis this summer, with Michigan accounting for the majority. Michigan officials noted that some cases might involve other sources, as not all patients recalled eating lettuce.

Investigators from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Mexican health authorities are examining the cause of the contamination. Taylor Farms has recalled shredded lettuce processed in central Mexico that was distributed to restaurants, food services and retailers in 27 states.

The CDC said cyclospora cases have been identified in dozens of states this year, and not all clusters are linked to the same source. Nationwide, more than 4,500 cases were reported in 2023 and over 3,500 in 2024, with thousands more reported so far in 2025. Symptoms, which can appear up to two weeks after exposure, include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea and fatigue and may persist for weeks.