CDC reports over 4,000 cyclosporiasis cases in 41 states amid outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the number of cyclosporiasis cases at more than 4,000 in 41 states.
A. CDC outbreak update The report, released Tuesday, July 21, reported 4,173 laboratory-confirmed U.S. cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1. More than 7,400 additional cases, mostly in Michigan and Ohio, have not yet been confirmed by laboratories, the CDC said.
During this time, 308 people were hospitalized and there were no deaths. The previous CDC report dated July 15 listed 1,645 laboratory-confirmed cases and 141 hospitalized cases.
Due to tracking, verification and reporting processes, the CDC’s case numbers may lag behind those reported by state health officials. The agency expects case numbers to continue rising because there is typically a six-week reporting lag between an illness and the case being reported to the CDC.
Cyclosporiasis: Latest updated map tracking ‘explosive diarrhea’ cases in US
In this latest CDC update, the number of states reporting cases increased to 41, although not all of them may be part of ongoing outbreaks. USA TODAY research shows these cases: cyclosporiasisThe infection, caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora and known to cause severe diarrhea, has been reported in all but four states.
According to the CDC, the only states not reporting cases of cyclosporiasis were: Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota and Vermont.
“Cyclosporiasis cases may not be limited to these states with known cases,” according to the CDC update. “The actual number of people with Cyclosporiasis was probably higher than the reported number. This is because some people recovered without medical care and were not tested for Cyclospora.”
The ages of those with Cyclospora infection ranged from 2 to 95 years, with the average age being 44 years. More than half (56%) were women, according to the CDC. The average disease onset date was June 26, 2026 (May 1 to July 16).
The CDC also reported 767 travel-related cases since May 1; 33 people were hospitalized and there were no deaths due to contaminated food or water consumed outside the United States.
Taylor Farms recalls lettuce due to investigation
Produce suppliers Taylor Farms On July 17, the CDC issued a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce products as a result of the outbreak and investigation by the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials. That research initially linked the illnesses to lettuces at Taylor Farms de Mexico, which were sold in part to Taco Bell locations in five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
The next day, July 18, the FDA said a sample of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce, which was not part of the lettuce the company was recalling, tested positive for cyclospora. Then on July 19, the FDA said that after re-inspection, the test was determined to be a test. false positive match.
What’s going on with Taylor Farms and iceberg lettuce?
The FDA said there were no confirmed positive results in samples tested for cyclospora as of July 19. But the agency said it continues to work with Taylor Farms as it continues to investigate the source of the outbreak and collect and test samples.
The recalled romaine lettuce was sold in retail stores, served in restaurants, and distributed to food service customers. Walmart later pulled some of the bags of Market Side Bagged Iceberg Salad and Shredded Iceberg Salad distributed by Taylor Farms. Lettuce was sold in stores in 27 states.
Contributors: Melina Khan, Daniel de Visé and Reuters.
Mike Snider is USA TODAY’s national trending news reporter. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at: mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.
This article first appeared on USA TODAY: CDC reports more than 4,000 cases of cyclosporiasis in 41 states amid outbreak
