US Cyclospora outbreak 2026

In early July, the CDC reported a relatively limited Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreak, confirming 145 domestically acquired cases across 17 U.S. states, with New York showing the highest numbers. The source of the infections remained unidentified, and public health guidance emphasized thorough washing of fresh herbs and leafy greens.

By late July, the situation had escalated dramatically, with more than 11,500 suspected or confirmed cases reported nationwide—the largest Cyclospora outbreak on record. Investigators linked the surge to contaminated iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, prompting a national recall of the product. While most cases continued to cluster in the Midwest and Northeast, the outbreak’s magnitude underscored the heightened health risks associated with the summer heat and humidity.

Both snapshots illustrate the rapid progression of the outbreak from a modest, source‑unknown cluster to a widespread, product‑specific event, prompting intensified public‑health advisories and preventive measures across the United States.