Michigan Explosive Diarrhea Cases Triple In 5 Days

Michigan's Cyclosporiasis outbreak has caught the attention of People magazine:

https://people.com/cyclospora-parasite-explosive-diarrhea-michigan-outbreak-cyclosporiasis-12012408

Michigan’s Outbreak of ‘Explosive’ Diarrhea Reaches 572 Cases as Parasitic Source Remains Unknown
The number of cyclosporiasis cases has tripled in just a few days

By Cara Lynn Shultz - July 6, 2026

NEED TO KNOW

• Michigan has reported 572 cases of cyclosporiasis, more than triple the number reported just days earlier
• The CDC says the parasite spreads through contaminated food or water and can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms
• Health officials recommend washing produce thoroughly and cooking certain foods to reduce the risk of infection

Michigan health officials are recommending residents take precautions to avoid the spread of a parasite that’s sickened people in at least 18 states, with hundreds infected in the Great Lakes State alone.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported at least 572 cyclosporiasis cases on July 4 — more than triple the 170 infections that had been reported on June 30. But the real number of cases is “likely higher,” the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said, “because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora,” adding that the only way to diagnose the illness is by testing someone’s stool.

The parasite infects the small intestine, causing “watery diarrhea” and “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” the CDC says.

The symptoms are as unpleasant as how the infection is acquired: by eating or drinking food contaminated with feces that contains the parasite. The youngest person infected in this outbreak is 5 years old, the CDC says, with the oldest being 86.

“Local, state, and federal (CDC, FDA) public health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases in more than one state. Investigations to identify potential sources are ongoing,” the CDC says, but no definitive causes of the outbreaks have been identified yet. However, the agency’s website on the current outbreak does not mention Michigan and has not included any outbreaks past June 16. Its most recent data says that people in at least 17 other states have been sickened.

Because no cause of the outbreak has yet been identified, Michigan health officials are urging anyone, but especially those in commercial kitchens “who are preparing, processing, or serving raw produce” to take steps to avoid the parasite. Specific types of produce were singled out, given their links to previous outbreaks of Cyclospora.

Instead of using pre-washed or bagged lettuce, “buy whole heads of lettuce … throw away the outer 2–3 layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water. For leafy greens that can be cooked, cooking is the safest option,” MDHHS advises.

The herbs cilantro and basil were singled out, with officials saying to wash them “thoroughly under running water, separating the leaves.”

The outer layer of green onions should be removed, and the vegetable is “safest when cooked.”

Raspberries are “especially hard to clean” given their “bumpy surface,” so officials advise frozen raspberries, which may “reduce but does not guarantee elimination of the parasite.”

Snow peas should be washed under running water while rubbing the surface, and cooking the vegetables is advised.

All utensils and cutting boards should be washed and sanitized before, and after, preparing food.

Although cyclosporiasis is not usually fatal, symptoms can return — and in younger or older people, or those with weakened immune systems, can cause dehydration. Per the CDC’s data, at least 20 people have been hospitalized due to illness from the parasite.

Cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan have now quadrupled, to over 700 cases:

https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/michigan-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-over-700-cases/

Michigan's cyclosporiasis outbreak nearly quadruples in a week, reaching over 700 cases, 38 hospitalizations
By Paula Wethington - July 7, 2026

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday it has received more than 700 reports of cyclosporiasis since June 22, with 38 of those patients needing hospital treatment.

The outbreak of the gastrointestinal illness became public in late June, when the Monroe County Health Department reported it was investigating a cluster of cases.

The number of confirmed cases has grown quickly:

• By June 30, there were 170 cases confirmed in Michigan.
• By July 3, there were 400.
• By July 4, there were 572.
• By July 6, there were 680.

Most of the cases have been in southeast Michigan, specifically Monroe County. But multiple cases were soon reported in Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Oakland, Shiawassee, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. Michigan usually averages about 50 cases a year.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes the diarrheal illness cyclosporiasis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the most common symptoms are frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Some people also experience body aches, headache or vomiting.

"Without treatment, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer," the CDC says.

The CDC says 17 states have also reported outbreaks since early May, including Illinois, New York and Texas.

What's causing the outbreak?

Health officials said they have not determined the cause or causes of the recent burst in cases, whether that be a supplier, grower or type of produce.

But the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says previous outbreaks in the United States and Canada were linked to bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas and scallions.

Given the trends, state health officials recommend that restaurants and commercial kitchens in southeast Michigan take additional precautions with fresh produce, including washing it under clean running water and cooking it when possible.

Tips to prevent cyclosporiasis

Health officials shared the following tips for avoiding the illness:

• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, under running water, before cutting, cooking or eating.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a produce brush when cleaning.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas of produce before preparing and eating.
• Refrigerate any cut, peeled or cooked produce within two hours of preparing it.

Write your own joke.  Metro Detroit Taco Bell restaurants are pulling fresh ingredients from the menu as a fast-growing parasite outbreak linked to explosive diarrhea spreads across multiple states.  Their posted notice reads:

"We are currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall. We apologize for the inconvenience. Any items ordered that normally come with these items WILL NOT contain them."

https://nypost.com/2026/07/09/lifestyle/taco-bell-pulls-ingredients-off-menu-as-explosive-diarrhea-parasite-cases-surge/

Taco Bell locations pull ingredients off menu as ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite cases surge
By Adam Silverstein - July 9, 2026

Taco Bell restaurants are pulling fresh ingredients from the menu as a fast-growing parasite outbreak linked to explosive diarrhea spreads across multiple states.

Locations, including some in Metro Detroit, have posted signs telling customers they are temporarily unable to serve several produce items while health officials respond to a spike in cyclosporiasis cases, WWJ reported on Tuesday.

“We are currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro Onion, Pico de Gallo and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall,” the notices say.

“We apologize for the inconvenience. Any items ordered that normally come with these items WILL NOT contain them.”

The missing ingredients are staples in several Taco Bell favorites, including tacos, the Crunchwrap Supreme and Cantina Chicken menu items.

It is not clear whether any Taco Bell customers have been sickened by the parasite, according to the report.

The menu shake-up comes as health officials investigate a surge in cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite that has sickened nearly 2,000 people across the US.

Michigan has reported 992 cases tied to the outbreak, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services — a dramatic jump from the roughly 50 cases the state typically records each year.

The parasite has also gained a foothold elsewhere. New York City has confirmed 273 cases since May 1 and 301 cases so far in 2026, according to the city’s Health Department.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the illness can cause “watery diarrhea” and “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements” that may last for a month or longer.

Other symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.

The cyclospora parasite can cause “watery diarrhea” and frequent, sometimes “explosive” bowel movements.

Most people recover without treatment, according to the agency.

Health officials are also investigating outbreaks in Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, Florida and Connecticut, though the source has not yet been identified.

Officials are urging consumers to thoroughly wash fresh produce, clean kitchen utensils and surfaces, and cook raw produce when possible.

Cyclospora have now infected 1,562 Michigan residents according to MDHHS, as reports of the infection are increasing outstate.  MDHHS reports 44 people have been hospitalized.  The actual numbers are probably much higher.

Washing produce and vegetables does not remove or kill the Cyclospora parasite. Especially on strawberries and raspberries. The parasite has a sealed, highly sticky oocyst (armored) exterior which resists water, produce washes, and chemical sanitizers (even bleach).

Much of the MDHHS food safety advice is useless.  The only effective way to destroy Cyclospora on food is by thoroughly cooking, baking, or boiling it.

https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/michigan-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-grows-to-more-than-1500/

Michigan's cyclosporiasis outbreak grows to more than 1,500 cases, 44 hospitalized
By Joseph Buczek - July 10, 2026

Michigan health officials say the state's cyclosporiasis outbreak has grown to more than 1,500 cases.

As of July 10, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has received 1,562 reports since June 22. Health officials say 44 people have been hospitalized.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes the diarrheal illness cyclosporiasis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the most common symptoms associated with the illness are frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Some people may also experience body aches, headache or vomiting.

The outbreak of the gastrointestinal illness was first reported in late June, after the Monroe County Health Department said it was investigating a cluster of cases.

Most of the cases have been in Southeast Michigan, with multiple cases reported in Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Oakland, Shiawassee, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. As of July 9, cases have been confirmed in 40 counties, with Monroe County reporting the most, at 215.

Michigan averages about 50 cases per year, according to MDHHS.

According to the CDC, at least 31 states have reported cases since early May, including Illinois, New York, and Texas.

MDHHS recently launched a cyclosporiasis outbreak webpage, where case counts are updated daily by 11 a.m. ET. The state will provide an update on hospitalization status and detailed outbreak data on Thursdays.

What's causing the outbreak?

Health officials are still working to determine the cause or causes of the recent burst in cases, whether that be a supplier, grower or type of produce.

According to MDHHS, previous outbreaks in the U.S. and Canada were linked to bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas and scallions.

Considering the trends, state health officials recommend that restaurants and commercial kitchens in Southeast Michigan take additional precautions with fresh produce, including washing it under clean running water and cooking it when possible.

Tips to prevent cyclosporiasis

Health officials shared the following tips for avoiding the illness:

• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, under running water, before cutting, cooking or eating.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a produce brush when cleaning.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas of produce before preparing and eating.
• Refrigerate any cut, peeled or cooked produce within two hours of preparing it.

The CDC has issued an alert.  Michigan leads the nation with 2,640 cases reported to MDHHS:

https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/php/surveillance/index.html

Surveillance of Cyclosporiasis
July 14, 2026

Key points

• CDC is aware that states are likely to report higher case counts of cyclosporiasis than reflected in CDC data and is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed. Since May 1, 2026, CDC has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 5,100 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness as domestically acquired cyclosporiasis. So far this year, multiple states have reported an increase in cases compared to the same period in 2025.
• CDC and state and federal partners are working together to investigate several outbreaks of cyclosporiasis. Investigations to identify and confirm the sources of the outbreaks are ongoing.
• On a regular basis, CDC reports all laboratory-confirmed cases that are received from states. State data may include both probable and confirmed cases, which in turn is likely to reflect a higher case count than the CDC surveillance data because initial case reports have not yet been reported to CDC. The CDC surveillance updates do not include probable cases.

2026 fast facts

As of July 13, 2026:

• U.S. cases reported to CDC: 1,645
• Hospitalizations: 141
• Deaths: 0
• States reporting cases: 34

Overview

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. Cyclosporiasis is a nationally notifiable disease and is reportable in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and New York City. Even if it is not reportable in a state, it is important for healthcare providers and the public to inform local health departments about potential cases and clusters of the disease so that they can take appropriate action to prevent additional cases.

Surveillance

Data updates

Given the recent increase in cyclosporiasis cases, CDC will publish updated data more frequently than in previous seasons.
CDC, along with state and federal health and regulatory officials, monitors cases of cyclosporiasis year-round to detect outbreaks linked to a common food source in the United States. This aids in swiftly identifying and investigating outbreaks in the United States. Cyclosporiasis also can be acquired when people eat or drink contaminated food or water during travel outside the United States. CDC and other agencies are working to further develop and validate molecular-level tools for linking cyclosporiasis cases.

Case counts rise during the spring and summer months; therefore, the cyclosporiasis season is considered May 1 through August 31. Clusters of cyclosporiasis cases have been detected outside this range in some years. In 2026, the outbreak season began on May 1.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis

See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of cyclosporiasis, which can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Your provider can test and treat you for cyclosporiasis. Healthcare providers: If your patient has a confirmed case of cyclosporiasis, report the case to your local health department.

Data

As of July 13, 2026, 1,645 lab-confirmed cases were reported in people who acquired cyclosporiasis in the United States. Cases were reported by 34 states. These people became sick after eating food in the United States and did not report any travel during the 14 days before they got sick.

Sick people ranged in age from 2 to 95 years, with a median age of 44, and 56% were female. The median illness onset date was June 22, 2026 (range from May 1 to July 9). Of 1,645 people with information available, 141 were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Multiple jurisdictions have reported an increase of cases compared to the same period in 2025. We assume a 6-week reporting lag between illness onset and case reporting to CDC; therefore, we anticipate that case counts will continue to rise as data are received.

CDC teams are working diligently to collect, analyze, and provide data at the national level. State health departments may have more timely information about the situation in their jurisdictions.

The numbers reported on this page reflect a total surveillance count of cases across the United States, including clusters of cases currently under traceback investigation by FDA and cases that have not been linked to a common source. Investigations to identify potential sources are ongoing.

Important update

CDC, FDA, and jurisdictional partners are concurrently investigating a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis. Investigation to identify and confirm the sources of the outbreak is ongoing.

Cases acquired in the U.S.

This map [at hyperlink, above] shows where the 1,645 people with cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States since May 1, 2026, lived. Cyclosporiasis cases may not be limited to these states with known cases. The true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis was likely higher than the number reported. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora.

Cases acquired outside the U.S.

As of July 13, 2026, an additional 440 cases were in people who ate or drank food or water that made them sick while they were traveling outside the United States during the 14 days before they got sick. These cases were reported by 35 states. Sick people ranged in age from 14 to 89 years, with a median age of 45, and 59% were female. The median illness onset date was June 9, 2026 (range from May 1 to July 8). Of the 440 people with information available, 20 were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Resources

Reporting a Foodborne Disease Outbreak (general public)

https://www.cdc.gov/foodborne-outbreaks/what-to-do/index.html

Report a Problem with Food

http://www.foodsafety.gov/report/problem/index.html

Cyclosporiasis National Hypothesis Generating Questionnaire

https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/media/pdfs/2024/05/CNHGQ-2023.pdf

FDOSS Home | Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FDOSS)| CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/nors/about/fdoss.htmlCommon Edible Peas in the United States

Foodborne Outbreak Surveillance Data

https://www.cdc.gov/foodborne-outbreaks/outbreaks/index.html

Food and Water Precautions for Travelers | Yellow Book | CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/preparing-international-travelers/food-and-water-precautions-for-travelers.html

MDHHS released another presser yesterday. No breakthroughs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2026

CONTACT: Lynn Sutin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov

MDHHS updates recommendations for cyclosporiasis prevention
Early investigation results indicate lettuce or salad greens as possible source

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to investigate an outbreak of cyclosporiasis with 2,640 cases reported as of Monday, July 13. While the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out. No specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source.

“Although we do not have a definite product identified as the source of the outbreak, we want to let Michiganders know what we have learned so far so they can take steps to protect their families,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.”

Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the intestines and causes watery diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. It is often contracted by eating or drinking something contaminated with the parasite. Typically, Michigan only records 40 to 50 cases of cyclosporiasis annually.

MDHHS continues to work closely with local health departments to conduct in-depth interviews of individuals testing positive for cyclosporiasis, as well as with other state and federal partners to conduct traceback investigations. More than 1,000 interviews have than have been completed to date.

Given the extent of the outbreak, the incubation period of up to two weeks for symptoms to develop after exposure and complex food distribution networks across the state and country, it will take some time for agencies to complete their investigation.

Recreational water exposure, such as swimming in lakes, is not a recognized risk factor for cyclosporiasis and there is currently no evidence linking recreational water activities to this outbreak. While people should always avoid swallowing recreational water, foodborne exposure – particularly exposure to contaminated produce – remains the primary focus of this outbreak investigation.

MDHHS recommends the following safe practices for all individuals serving, preparing, or consuming lettuce and salad greens in impacted counties, this includes restaurants and commercial kitchens. Because this is an active and evolving situation, these recommendations may change as more information becomes available.

Focus on lettuce and salad greens

Given early information and the historical link between cyclospora and pre-packaged salad greens, MDHHS recommends adopting the following lettuce-specific safety measures:

Purchase whole heads: Buy whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged lettuce or pre-mixed salad kits.
Discard outer layers: Before preparation, throw away the outer two to three layers of leaves.
Wash inner leaves: Thoroughly wash the remaining inner leaves under clean running water.
Prioritize cooking: For any greens that can be cooked, cooking to a temperature of at least 158 F (70 C) is the safest option, as the parasite is resistant to routine chemical disinfection and washing alone cannot guarantee its removal.
Previous outbreaks

The following foods have been specifically linked to previous cyclospora outbreaks in the United States and Canada:

Bagged salad mixes and kits. 
Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves).
Fresh basil.
Rasberries.
Snow peas.
Green onions (scallions).
General rules to reduce risk

Cook when possible. Heating food to 158 F (70 C) or higher kills cyclospora.
Peel produce. Peeling is highly effective for food items with removable skin as the parasite sits on the outer surface.
Wash all fresh produce. Wash under clean running water, even if you plan to peel it. “Pre-washed” does not guarantee safety and rewashing bagged lettuce is unlikely to remove cyclospora. While washing alone may not fully eliminate cyclospora, it enhances protection when combined with cooking or peeling.
These recommendations are particularly important for people who have a higher risk of dehydration or weakened immune systems such as patients on chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, infants and young children and elderly people.

If you do become ill

People experiencing frequent, watery diarrhea are encouraged to contact their health care provider and specifically request testing for cyclospora as routine stool tests may miss the parasite. Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics along with rest and drinking plenty of fluids to maintain hydration.

For more information, visit the MDHHS Infectious Disease Outbreaks web page.

Additional information is also available at About Cyclosporiasis | Cyclosporiasis | CDC.

From The Babylon Bee, your trusted source for fake news....

https://babylonbee.com/news/explosive-diarrhea-epidemic-traced-to-gain-of-function-lab-at-taco-bell-institute

Explosive Diarrhea Epidemic Traced To Gain-Of-Function Lab At Taco Bell Institute
By Thomas Mould · July 15, 2026

IRVINE, CA — Though initial reports indicated that the recent cyclosporiasis outbreak had happened naturally through people consuming produce contaminated with parasites, officials announced on Wednesday that the explosive diarrhea epidemic had been traced to a gain-of-function lab at the Taco Bell Institute.

The outbreak has spread across a majority of the country, with thousands of Americans suffering from explosive diarrhea that evidence now shows resulted from research conducted at a top-secret Taco Bell laboratory.

"We have reasons to believe this was man-made," said Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, acting director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "The initial narrative for the source of the outbreak was contaminated lettuce, but that didn't really add up. We are now investigating a facility operated by the Taco Bell Institute to determine the extent of the research and what manner of ungodly scourge they may have knowingly unleashed on the public. They won't get away with this on our watch."

Though Taco Bell publicly denied any wrongdoing, inside sources revealed that such research has been happening in secret for decades. "They create horrible things in that place," one source said. "You think they're just in there coming up with new kinds of chalupas and Crunch Wrap Supremes? No. It's much worse than you can imagine. Someday, they're going to create something that wipes out most of the population. Don't say you weren't warned."

At publishing time, government officials were reportedly looking into rumors that Dr. Anthony Fauci had recently taken a high-ranking position with Taco Bell. 🤣  

The lawyers will save us.  Taco Bell and Taylor Farms will face far more severe punishment than Anthony Fauci, Richard Daszak, or Shi Zhengli, the Wuhan Bat Lady:

https://nypost.com/2026/07/17/business/taco-bell-faces-first-lawsuits-over-diarrhea-causing-contaminated-lettuce/

Taco Bell faces first lawsuits over diarrhea-causing contaminated lettuce
By Lisa Fickenscher - July 17, 2026,

An Ohio man and a Michigan couple who recently ate at Taco Bell are among the first victims to sue over the cyclospora outbreak that has sickened thousands and caused explosive diarrhea.

The Ohio man allegedly got sick after three June meals at the eatery, while the Michiganders said they became ill the same month from lettuce at the fast food joint – the ingredient blamed for about 90% of cases of Michigan Taco Bell customers getting sick, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Mohammed Ayyad, a regular customer at a Taco Bell in North Olmsted, Ohio, said his troubles began with orders of Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and Avocado Ranch Chicken Stackers he scarfed down over three visits in mid-June.

Days later, he developed a “severe” headache, chills, vomiting and persistent diarrhea that became so debilitating, he was unable to sleep, according to a complaint filed Thursday in Ohio federal court.

Nine days after his symptoms began, Ayyad sought treatment at an urgent care clinic, where he was prescribed Imodium instead of antibiotics, the lawsuit alleges.

By July 9, a stool test confirmed he had contracted the parasite. Ayyad missed two weeks of work, lost income and continues to suffer nausea and other symptoms, according to the complaint.

Taylor Farms said it’s Mexican operation is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from Central Mexico.

The lawsuit names Vancouver, Wash.-based franchisee Pacific Bells LLC, which operates roughly 300 Taco Bell restaurants, as the defendant.

Ayyad’s attorney Bill Marler told The Post he plans to amend the complaint to add Salinas, Calif.-based Taylor Farms, identified by the Washington Post as the provider of the contaminated produce. More cases are in the works, he indicated.

“We have been contacted by more than 30 people and 90% of them ate at Taco Bell,” Marler told The Post.

In a separate lawsuit filed Friday in Michigan federal court, Preston and Marie Parrish alleged they contracted cyclosporiasis after eating at a Taco Bell in Durand, Mich., on June 30. Their complaint names Taco Bell Corp., Taco Bell of America and Taylor Farms as defendants.

Taylor Farms, which supplies Taco Bell with shredded iceberg lettuce, said its bagged lettuce is not associated with the Cyclospora outbreak.

The lawsuit alleges the couple consumed lettuce with fecal contamination.

Both suits are seeking unspecified damages.

Taco Bell declined to discuss the lawsuits. The Post has sought comment about the suits from Taylor Farms. While it’s pulling iceberg lettuce from Mexico, it wrote on social media that its branded salads and kits are not associated with the outbreak.

The lawsuits came as Taco Bell said it was voluntarily removing “potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states.” Taylor Farms said it was recalling iceberg lettuce sourced from Mexico based on information the FDA’s provided.

Some 1,645 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in 34 states since May 1, with Michigan hit the hardest, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Along with it and Ohio, the CDC has urged customers to avoid lettuce at Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia Taco Bells in particular.

At least 141 people have been hospitalized, with no deaths reported, authorities said.

The number of confirmed cases is expected to rise, with the feds saying they are reviewing over 5,100 additional reports to determine whether they are cyclosporiasis.

MDHHS' Thursday Infectious Disease Outbreaks report finds 5,002 cases of cyclosporiasis (0.05% of Michigan's population) and 102 hospitalizations in Michigan.  Actual totals are much higher.  Taylor Farms lettuce grown in Mexico and sold by Sysco (a major restaurant and institutional food distributor) or served by Taco Bell is being identified as the culprit - without evidence - as the Democrats like to say.  Taylor Farms has expanded their lettuce recall to 27 states.

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/infectious-diseases/infectious-disease-outbreaks

Michigan Case Counts
Total Cases: 5,002
As of July 16, 2026, 102 reported cases indicated they had been hospitalized.

Last updated: July 17, 2026

Data notes

• Case counts reflect all cases of cyclosporiasis reported during the outbreak investigation period and may change as additional information becomes available.
• Case counts reflect data reported through 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
• Total case counts are updated daily, Monday through Friday, by 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
• Hospitalization status and detailed outbreak data are updated weekly on Thursdays.

The cyclospora test result which accused Taylor Farms lettuce grown in Mexico and sold by Sysco (a major restaurant and institutional food distributor) or served by Taco Bell was a false positive.  Another tour de force performance by the DEI hires in CDC's laboratories. 🤬 

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/fda-says-taylor-farms-cyclospora-finding-was-false-positive-2026-07-20/

FDA says Taylor Farms cyclospora finding was a false positive
By Chandni Shah and ​Devika Nair in Bengaluru - July 19, 2026; 8:50 PM

Companies

• Taylor Farms Florida Inc.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Yum! Brands Inc

July 19 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Sunday that laboratory experts ​re-checked lettuce sample results from Taylor Farms in an ‌investigation into an outbreak of the cyclospora parasite and concluded the finding should be considered a false positive.

As of Sunday, there were no confirmed ​positive sample results for cyclospora, the FDA added.

The FDA on ​Saturday had said that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce ⁠supplied by Taylor Farms tested positive for the parasitic illness ​that has sickened thousands of people in the U.S.

A spokesperson ​for Taylor Fresh Foods told Reuters that the company was informed the FDA made a mistake.

"To be clear, at this moment, FDA has not identified a ​single positive product test result for cyclospora", the company said.

Taylor ​Fresh Foods added that it had completed a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce ‌from ⁠central Mexico out of an abundance of caution based on the initial information given.

The FDA, in its latest update said it has "notified Taylor Farms and continues working with the firm to ensure the ​product implicated in ​this outbreak ⁠has been removed from the market".

The company had earlier confirmed that the product was not part ​of its current recall, according to the FDA.

Cyclosporiasis, which ​has been linked ⁠to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Yum Brands' Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia has so far ⁠resulted ​in around 100 hospitalizations and no ​deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants you to act as if the CDC false positive test result on Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce was correct.  Somehow this does not inspire confidence in our $ 6.8 billion a year food safety regulator.  Note that reports of cyclosporiasis from Indiana have reached the threshold of concern:

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5978349-is-recalled-lettuce-safe-after-false-positive-result-fda-issues-warning/

Is recalled lettuce safe after false positive result? FDA issues warning
By Addy Bink - July 20, 2026

(NEXSTAR) – The results that linked a sample of lettuce to the multi-state cyclospora outbreak have since been declared a false positive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but you may not want to rush to recover your discarded lettuce.

On Saturday, the FDA said shredded lettuce samples from Taylor Farms had tested positive for the parasite that has sickened thousands of people this year. Taylor Farms recalled several lettuce products sourced from central Mexico in response.

By Sunday, the FDA had walked back its result, reporting that another review showed “the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive.”

In a statement, Taylor Farms said the “FDA apologized to us.” The company noted that a voluntary recall of potentially impacted iceberg lettuce had been completed based on “initial information provided by health officials, in an abundance of caution.”

“All other Taylor Farms products, including all Taylor Farms brand products, are not involved in the recall,” the company said. “We are committed to working with public health authorities as the ongoing outbreak investigation continues.”

The FDA, meanwhile, said it “continues to work with [Taylor Farms] to ensure product implicated in this outbreak has been removed from the market.” Product samples are still being collected, but “there are no confirmed positive sample results” linked to the cyclospora outbreak.

When reached for comment by Nexstar, federal officials pointed to a Monday post from the FDA that said the false positive “DOES NOT change the basis for [the] ongoing outbreak investigation or the overwhelming epidemiological data supporting the current voluntary recall by Taylor Farms.”

FDA’s traceback investigation and outbreak data continue to converge on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms locations in central Mexico,” the post continued. “FDA will continue to work with federal and state partners to investigate this multistate outbreak and ensure products implicated in this outbreak have been removed from the market.”

Taylor Farms did not respond to a request for comment from Nexstar.

Five states linked to outbreak

The FDA is also still referring to the investigation as a five-state outbreak. That’s up from the four states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had linked to the outbreak last week.

Those four states – Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky – comprise at least 1,500 cases of cyclosporiasis in the outbreak investigation. The newest state implicated, Indiana, has reported at least 47 outbreak-related cases.

Case counts could also be far higher than the tally the CDC has confirmed. As of Monday, Michigan health officials have reported 6,148 cases of cyclosporiasis alone. Of those, 102 required hospitalization.

Additional states could be included in the outbreak, the FDA warned.

While several states have seen a spike in cyclosporiasis cases this year, not all are linked to the outbreak. Health officials in Utah, for example, said earlier this month that a resident diagnosed with an infection has no connection to the ongoing outbreak.

The incubation period for cyclosporaisis is 7 days and no one has been eating lettuce for weeks.  The number of Michigan cases rises relentlessly at a rate of about 600 new cases per day.  There are zero customers at Taco Bell restaurants across Michigan.  Their parking lots have been empty for weeks.  Taco Bells are offering lettuce free plates for $ 1 - a great deal in our inflationary world - and no one is buying.

At some point, MDHHS and FDA need to explore vectors other than iceberg lettuce and Taco Bell:

https://michiganadvance.com/2026/07/24/cyclosporiasis-cases-continue-to-rise-as-michigan-remains-hardest-hit-state/

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/infectious-diseases/infectious-disease-outbreaks

https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/php/surveillance/index.html

Cyclosporiasis cases continue to rise, as Michigan remains hardest hit state
By Kyle Davidson - July 24, 2026

Michigan has documented 8,176 cases of cyclosporiasis, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, marking a significant increase from the 5,002 cases it reported last Friday.

The department is issuing daily updates on the number of documented cases with weekly updates on Thursdays on the number of cases resulting in hospitalization, as well as the number of cases recorded in each of Michigan’s 83 counties.

A total of 160 individuals have been hospitalized due to cyclosporiasis, up from 102 reported last Thursday.

Cyclosporiasis has been detected in 71 counties, though 16 reported cases do not have a known county of residence. Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland, Ingham and Shiawassee counties have the highest number of reported cases.

The state health department announced on July 1 that it was investigating an outbreak into the illness, which is caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite, spread through consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms can emerge between two days and two weeks, and include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.

As of Friday, the state’s investigation pointed to lettuce and salad greens as a potential source of this outbreak, though it could not completely rule out other types of produce, or identify a specific grower or supplier as a source of the outbreak.

On July 17, Taylor Farms De Mexico issued a voluntary recall on iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico. On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it is continuing its investigation into infections linked to iceberg lettuce from the region alongside with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local health departments.

As of Friday, the outbreak includes nine states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The CDC is issuing weekly updates on cyclosporiasis cases, documenting 4,173 cases as of June 20, with 7,400 cases – mostly stemming from Michigan and Ohio – yet to be confirmed through laboratory testing.

The federal agency notes its reports do not include probable cases, which may result in lower case counts than those reported by state health departments.

Michigan remains the hardest hit state, with the CDC recording between 901 and 2,100 cases.