Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Taco Bell Ingredients Affects 1,700+
WHO:
The Independent - Taco Bell is involved in the response to the outbreak.
Yahoo Health - Dr. Jade Le, infectious diseases service line chief at Access TeleCare, provides insights on the outbreak.
Yahoo Health - Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services is tracking the outbreak.
WHAT:
KTVU - The CDC has received reports of 843 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, 2026, and is aware of more than 1,500 cases that require further analysis to confirm.
KTVU - The CDC reported that 86 people have been hospitalized due to cyclosporiasis, but no deaths have been reported.
USA Today - As of July 10, 2026, health officials in Michigan have identified over 1,500 cases of cyclosporiasis, with 44 people hospitalized.
The Independent - Nearly 1,000 people in Michigan have been infected with cyclosporiasis, a significant increase from the typical 50 cases per year.
Yahoo Health - Ohio counties bordering southeast Michigan have tracked more than 500 cases, including 306 in Lucas County.
Yahoo Health - New York has reported 394 confirmed cases since May, North Carolina has documented 110 cases, and Illinois local reports show around 150 cases.
USA Today - In Michigan, health officials have identified over 1,500 cases, with 44 people hospitalized.
USA Today - Dipisa’s Pizza in Stevensville, Michigan, has removed lettuce, tomatoes, and onions from its menu as a precaution.
USA Today - The Red B Restaurant in Idabel, Oklahoma, is soaking and washing produce again, even if the lettuce and spinach are pre-washed but not bagged.
The Independent - Taco Bell is removing Lettuce, Cilantro, Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole from its menu due to a nationwide recall.
Yahoo Health - More than 1,700 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported nationwide, with at least 1,500 additional cases pending confirmation.
Yahoo Health - Michigan has confirmed more than 1,562 cases of cyclosporiasis, with at least 36 people hospitalized.
Yahoo Health - The CDC has confirmed 843 cases reported in 31 states since May 1, with at least 86 people hospitalized.
WHERE:
KTVU - At least 31 states, including California, are investigating potential cases of cyclosporiasis.
The Independent - The outbreak is affecting several states, including Michigan, Illinois, Virginia, Ohio, and New York.
Yahoo Health - The largest cluster of cases is in Michigan, with over 500 cases reported in Ohio counties bordering southeast Michigan.
WHEN:
Yahoo Health - The median illness onset date for reported cases is June 18.
Yahoo Health - The CDC's data reflects cases reported since May 1.
WHY:
The Independent - The outbreak is linked to exposure to the Cyclospora parasite, which is often contracted through contaminated produce.
Yahoo Health - The working hypothesis is that contaminated produce is the source of the outbreak, although no specific produce, grower, or supplier has been identified.
HOW:
USA Today - Dipisa’s Pizza in Stevensville, Michigan, announced on July 10 that it is removing lettuce, tomatoes, and onions from its menu as a precaution against the outbreak.
USA Today - Experts recommend avoiding fresh fruit and salad bars when dining out, especially when the origins or washing methods are unknown.
The Independent - The Cyclospora parasite spreads through feces and can contaminate produce through unclean water or improper handling by workers.
Yahoo Health - Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include explosive diarrhea, fever, belly cramps, nausea, and vomiting, and the illness can last longer than other food-borne illnesses.
(UPDATED July 12, 2026 05:50 UTC)
The CDC has reported 843 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. since May 1, 2026, with over 1,500 additional cases under investigation, and 86 people have been hospitalized, although no deaths have been recorded. Health officials in Michigan have identified more than 1,500 cases, including 44 hospitalizations, prompting at least 31 states, including California, to investigate potential cases. In response to the outbreak, Dipisa’s Pizza in Stevensville, Michigan, announced it will remove lettuce, tomatoes, and onions from its menu as a precaution.
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(UPDATED July 12, 2026 01:21 UTC)
In a concerning health development, nearly 1,000 people in Michigan have been infected with cyclosporiasis, a dramatic rise from the usual 50 cases reported each year, with over 1,500 cases identified and 44 individuals hospitalized. Surrounding Ohio counties have also seen over 500 cases, including 306 in Lucas County, while New York, North Carolina, and Illinois have reported hundreds of additional cases. In response, local restaurants like Dipisa’s Pizza in Michigan have removed certain produce from their menus, and experts are advising diners to steer clear of fresh fruit and salad bars when the origins or washing methods are uncertain.
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(UPDATED July 11, 2026 22:17 UTC)
Taco Bell is taking action in response to a nationwide outbreak by removing lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo, and guacamole from its menu due to a recall linked to the Cyclospora parasite. Over 1,700 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across the country, with Michigan being the hardest hit, accounting for more than 1,562 cases and at least 36 hospitalizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 843 cases in 31 states since May 1, and symptoms of the illness can include explosive diarrhea, fever, and nausea, lasting longer than typical food-borne illnesses.