RFK Jr. Declares Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Under Control Amid Ongoing Investigation

The cyclospora parasite causing cyclosporiasis appeared in patients on May 13, prompting a CDC-FDA investigation. By mid-summer the illness spread to 34 states, leading to recalls of shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell locations in several states.

The Guardian

In 2022 FoodNet reduced monitoring from eight pathogens to two. Beginning July 1 2025, reporting became optional for all pathogens except Salmonella and Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli, a shift the CDC says reflects an evolving surveillance system. Critics say the change weakened tracking of emerging threats such as cyclospora.

CBS News

• Confirmed cases: more than 1,644, with 94 hospitalizations and no deaths (CDC).

The Guardian

• Pending investigations: over 5,100 pending cases.

The Guardian

• State impact: Michigan reported more than 6,571 cases.

The Guardian

• Geographic spread: 34 states affected, Midwest most heavily.

The Guardian

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told reporters on July 21 the outbreak is “under control,” noting forensic work had identified the source and recalls were in place. The FDA confirmed a recall of shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms and Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, later expanding to 27 states. After a false-positive test on a Taylor Farms sample, the FDA issued a clarification and continued testing. CDC officials project the outbreak will persist through August because the parasite’s incubation can extend up to two weeks.

CNBC

• Case counts: CNBC cited 1,644 confirmed cases; The Guardian reported more than 1,600 confirmed plus 5,100 pending, showing reporting inconsistencies.

The Guardian

• Source identification: The FDA linked the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico supplied by Taylor Farms, but a later test was deemed a false positive, leaving the precise source unconfirmed.

CNBC

• Surveillance data: Optional FoodNet reporting since July 2025 may have left some state data incomplete, contributing to discrepancies.

The Guardian

• “We do have the outbreak under control.” — Department

USA Today

• “We have done extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics and we have identified the source of the outbreak. We, and the companies that are involved, have implemented a recall,” — Kennedy

USA Today

The CDC expects the cyclospora outbreak to continue through August while investigations proceed. Federal agencies have pledged ongoing testing of lettuce supplies and continued public-health messaging about the parasite’s summer prevalence.

USA Today