Story perspectives

Cyclospora outbreak sickens 18,000; Taco Bell pulls Taylor lettuce

7/31/2026

Summary

CDC Confirms Outbreak

Health officials report a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce, affecting 18,000 people in 45 states.
The CDC confirms 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases and 423 hospitalizations nationwide.
Michigan records the most cases, with 10,077 infections and 160 hospitalizations as of July 31.
The FDA traced the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, recalled it in 27 states, prompting Taco Bell to remove the lettuce from all locations.

Summary

Michigan Couple Sues

Michigan couple sued Taco Bell and Taylor Farms, alleging they served recalled lettuce that infected them.
FDA said a lettuce test positive for cyclospora was a false positive, though it still points to Taylor Farms.
CDC deputy director Gwen Biggerstaff warned cyclospora tracing can take weeks because symptoms appear long after exposure.
Epidemiology professor Craig Hedberg noted Michigan’s daily case increase has slowed for a week, suggesting a downslope.

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CDC Confirms Outbreak

Health officials report a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce, affecting 18,000 people in 45 states.
The CDC confirms 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases and 423 hospitalizations nationwide.
Michigan records the most cases, with 10,077 infections and 160 hospitalizations as of July 31.
The FDA traced the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, recalled it in 27 states, prompting Taco Bell to remove the lettuce from all locations.

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