Record Surge in Cyclospora Infections Prompts Nationwide Food-Safety Scrutiny

U.S. health officials are tracking a record-high outbreak of cyclosporiasis, the diarrheal illness caused by *Cyclospora cayetanensis*. The CDC confirmed 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases across 45 states, with 423 hospitalizations and no deaths. State health departments say the true burden may be larger, citing more than 11,500 suspected cases under investigation. The outbreak has been linked to fresh produce, most notably shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, as well as parsley and cilantro in some investigations.

Cases of parasite that causes 'explosive' symptoms surge 60% in a week as FDA official insists 'US food supply is safe'

Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States are usually tied to imported produce from regions where the parasite is endemic. The 2019 outbreak produced 4,703 cases, primarily linked to fresh basil from Mexico. The current surge is the largest on record since systematic surveillance began, prompting renewed focus on food-handling practices and federal monitoring programs.

Cases of parasite that causes 'explosive' symptoms surge 60% in a week as FDA official insists 'US food supply is safe'

• Taylor Farms noted a $200 million annual investment in food-safety protocols and the enlistment of independent experts to review the halted facility.

Cases of parasite that causes 'explosive' symptoms surge 60% in a week as FDA official insists 'US food supply is safe'

• CDC continues to monitor six separate cyclospora outbreaks nationwide, noting that some clusters are linked to specific foods while others remain untraced.

Newsweek

• Dr. Swapnil Patel, vice chair of medicine at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, advised patients with prolonged diarrhea to request a cyclospora test, which typically requires one to three stool samples.

Cases of parasite that causes 'explosive' symptoms surge 60% in a week as FDA official insists 'US food supply is safe'

• Case counts differ: CDC’s national confirmed tally (6,707) exceeds the 4,173 figure reported in a separate CDC summary covering cases since May. Michigan’s state count (8,176) surpasses both federal numbers.

Cases of parasite that causes 'explosive' symptoms surge 60% in a week as FDA official insists 'US food supply is safe'

• Source identification remains incomplete: Early investigations implicated Taylor Farms lettuce, but the FDA later declared the lettuce test a false positive on July 19, and the company reported no confirmed positive samples as of July 24, 2026. Parallel investigations continue to examine parsley, cilantro, and other leafy greens, but definitive links have not been established.

Cases of parasite that causes 'explosive' symptoms surge 60% in a week as FDA official insists 'US food supply is safe'

• “We've never seen anything like this," Mayne, who ran the food-safety department of the FDA from 2015-23, said.” — Susan Mayne

Newsweek

Federal agencies are maintaining active investigations into all six identified cyclospora outbreaks. The FDA and CDC have urged consumers to wash fresh produce thoroughly and to seek medical evaluation for persistent diarrhea. Taylor Farms’ central-Mexico facility remains shut pending independent safety reviews.

Newsweek