- Although the U.S. experiences seasonal cyclospora outbreaks, this year has seen thousands of CDC-confirmed cases across multiple states, far exceeding typical trends.
- While the FDA announced it had traced the cyclospora outbreak to iceberg lettuce sold by Taylor Farms de Mexico to Taco Bell and Walmart stores, it recently reported that the test was a false positive.
- While cycloporasis is rarely fatal, it causes prolonged, “explosive” watery diarrhea, and symptoms can last for weeks without the necessary antibiotic treatment.
- Medical News Today spoke to seven health experts to discuss who’s more at risk, how to prevent infection, and how it’s treated.
On May 13, 2026, the first case of illness from the parasite cyclospora was reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
As of July 21, the CDC announced it has received reports of 4,173 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in the U.S., with more than 7,400 suspected cases still needing analysis. According to the CDC, cases have been reported in 41 states, with Michigan and Ohio among the hardest-hit.
On July 17, the FDA announced it had traced one possible cause of the cyclospora outbreak to iceberg lettuce sold by Taylor Farms de Mexico to Taco Bell restaurants and Walmart stores, prompting a voluntary recall by the company.
However, on July 19, the FDA announced, after reviewing sample results from Taylor Farms de Mexico lettuce, that it should be considered a false positive. The FDA says there is currently no confirmed product sample that tests positive for cyclospora.
With uncertainty as to where the cyclospora outbreak is coming from, how can you protect yourself from becoming sick?
Medical News Today spoke with seven experts to learn what exactly cyclospora is, how it spreads, what to do if you think you’re infected, and how to protect yourself.
How to get tested for cyclospora infection
If you suspect you or a family member has been infected by cyclospora, Carl J. Fichtenbaum, MD, Gregory W. Rouan, MD, Endowed Professor of Internal Medicine and vice chair of internal medicine and infectious diseases researcher in the College of Medicine at the University of Cincinnati, said you should contact your doctor.
Who may be more at risk
“Testing requires specific tests to look for cyclospora in a fecal sample. Some people with immune-compromised conditions can have more severe cases resulting in the need for hospitalization, largely due to dehydration and low blood pressure.”
— Carl J. Fichtenbaum, MD
“Early in the infection, (cyclospora) testing can be challenging because the parasite may not yet be easily detectable in stool samples, meaning repeat testing is sometimes needed to confirm the diagnosis,” added David Cutler, MD, a board certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
And diagnosing cyclosporiasis itself can be challenging, Michalik said.
“Many pathogens such as norovirus, rotavirus, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) can cause similar diarrheal symptoms, and not all clinics or urgent care centers have the specialized testing needed to detect this parasite,” Michalik explained to MNT. “In many cases, testing must be sent to external laboratories, which can delay results.
Tips for protecting yourself from cyclospora
Cyclospora prevention largely comes down to food and water safety, Cutler said.
“Cyclospora is resistant to many standard disinfecting methods, so simply rinsing produce may not fully eliminate the parasite,” he explained. ”However, thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding potentially contaminated food or water, especially when traveling to areas where the parasite is more common, can help reduce risk.”
Perera said that cyclosporiasis outbreaks occur every year in the United States during the spring and summer months, and that cases have been increasing nationwide.
Foods that may be risky
“South Florida is historically one of the hardest hit areas, with fresh produce like berries, salad mixes, and fresh herbs being the most common source of infection. Be cautious with fresh herbs, leafy greens, and berries during the spring and summer months, when outbreaks are most common.”
— Alexis Perera, MD
Patel advised readers to prioritize produce that can be easily washed, such as smooth-skinned items like apples and tomatoes.
“If I were to avoid anything, it would be pre-washed lettuce, berries, and foods that have a lot of crevices for the parasite to hide,” he continued. “It is important to remember that cooking these items will lower the risk of infection. People can also eat canned or frozen produce that was likely processed before this outbreak.”
How to know you are washing your vegetables long enough
“After handling these vegetables and fruit, wash your hands with soap and water (while) singing the Happy Birthday song twice (30 seconds).”
— Carl J. Fichtenbaum, MD
While this year’s cyclospora outbreak has been larger than most, Swanson reminded readers that fruits and vegetables remain an important part of a balanced diet and need not be eliminated from your diet.
“Thorough washing, good hand hygiene, and careful cooking techniques ensure you continue to safely enjoy nutritious meals,” she added.