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Cyclospora outbreak reported
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
CDC reports over 24,000 cyclosporiasis cases linked to recalled Taylor Farms lettuce. The outbreak has caused at least two deaths and hundreds of hospitalizations across 15 states.
Background
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection causing severe diarrhea, linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico. The FDA has recalled nearly 240,000 cases of lettuce, with Walmart receiving the largest share. The outbreak has spread to at least 15 states, with Michigan and Ohio hardest hit.
How it unfolded
- Aug 5, 2026CDC reports 10,468 lab-confirmed cases between May 1 and Aug 3; says recalled products' best-by dates have passed.
- Aug 9, 2026FDA report details recall scope: nearly 240,000 cases of lettuce, Walmart's Marketside got 109,476 cases; Taco Bell and Jack in the Box also affected.
- Aug 12, 2026CDC data shows over 24,000 cases, with 10,455 unconfirmed; new cases slowing to about 2,000 in the last week. HHS declares 'American food [is] safe.'
- Aug 13, 2026Michigan reports 13,909 cases, including first two deaths; CDC confirms 13,895 cases and 740 hospitalizations.
- Aug 14, 2026Outbreak expands to two additional states; Connecticut reports 94 cases, mostly not outbreak-related.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- HHS and FDA say the outbreak is contained and all contaminated lettuce has been removed from the market.
- Caution
- CDC notes the true number of sick people is likely higher than reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to known states.
Still unverified
The report that the farm had not been inspected in seven years is based on a CBS News report; FDA inspection history may be incomplete.