FDA Investigating New Cyclospora Outbreak With 72 Cases, Source Not Yet Identified

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating a new outbreak of the cyclospora parasite involving 72 cases from an unidentified source. This investigation comes amid a record-breaking year for cyclosporiasis in the United States, with the CDC reporting 4,173 laboratory-confirmed cases and over 7,400 unconfirmed infections since May 1, 2026. Michigan is currently the hardest-hit state, recording 7,171 cases. A separate, massive outbreak has already been linked to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce sourced from Mexico.

FDA cyclospora outbreak investigation

• ▪The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating a new outbreak of the diarrhea-causing cyclospora parasite involving 72 cases
• ▪The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet identified the source or location of the new 72-case cyclospora outbreak
• ▪The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has initiated traceback efforts to identify the source of the new 72-case cyclospora outbreak

Cyclospora parasite food sources

• ▪A separate, ongoing cyclospora outbreak of at least 1,644 cases has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and grown in central Mexico
• ▪The cyclospora parasite is commonly found in fresh produce with rough, irregular surfaces, including parsley, cilantro, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, spinach, salad mixes, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries
• ▪Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled its Mexican-grown iceberg lettuce products from retail stores, restaurants, and food service customers across 27 U.S. states

Cyclosporiasis symptoms

• ▪Cyclosporiasis symptoms can also include less common effects such as vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever, and flu-like symptoms
• ▪Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and fatigue

Food safety prevention measures

• ▪Health experts advise refrigerating cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, specifically within two hours
• ▪Health experts recommend washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water, scrubbing firm produce with a clean brush, and cutting away damaged or bruised areas before eating

U.S. case distribution trends

• ▪Michigan is the hardest-hit state in the current cyclosporiasis surge, with the state health department recording 7,171 cases as of July 22, 2026
• ▪Since May 1, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and over 7,400 additional unconfirmed cases