The foodborne parasite can cause “explosive” diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms
Credit: Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Cyclospora cases have surged nationwide with over 4,000 confirmed cases and 308 hospitalizations since May 1
- The FDA is investigating potential links to fresh produce like lettuce but has not identified a definitive source for the latest outbreak
- Experts say recent heat waves may be contributing to the outbreak as the parasite thrives in warm weather
Cyclospora cases continue to grow as the Food and Drug Administration confirms new outbreaks of the parasite-borne illness without yet having identified the source.
On Wednesday, July 22, the agency reported at least 72 new cases of the food- and waterborne illness causing symptoms of vomiting and “explosive” diarrhea across the nation.
According to the agency, the product (or products) responsible for the latest outbreak has not yet been identified.
“A new outbreak of Cyclospora linked to a not yet identified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated traceback,” the notice said.
The news comes days after the FDA announced that the sample of lettuce it tested from Taylor Farms, a brand known for its variety of pre-packaged salad kits, had produced a false-positive test result.
“FDA has notified Taylor Farms and continues working with the firm to ensure product implicated in this outbreak has been removed from the market,” the FDA said over the weekend, adding that it would continue to collect and analyze samples.
“As of July 19, 2026, there are no confirmed positive sample results for product testing for Cyclospora,” the update read.
“We are committed to working with public health authorities as the ongoing outbreak investigation continues,” Taylor Farms shared in a statement on X.
On Wednesday, the FDA clarified its Cyclospora outbreak comments linked to iceberg lettuce, adding an updated outbreak advisory with investigational information about Taylor Farms de Mexico recalling iceberg lettuce.
The gastrointestinal disease is caused by a parasite called Cyclospora, and symptoms typically begin approximately a week after exposure.
Stomach issues such as severe abdominal cramps, bloating, increased gas, and nausea are associated with the illness, as well as loss of appetite, significant weight loss, extreme fatigue, and muscle aches.
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Cyclosporiasis cases within the United States have previously been linked to fresh produce like basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and snow peas, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Authorities advise that anyone consuming the aforementioned produce wash it thoroughly, and always refrigerate as soon as possible as the parasite does not fare well in cooler temperatures. Recent heat waves have been associated with the spike in cases.
“It’s warm weather,” Dr. Kavita Patel, a medical contributor for NBC News, told the outlet in an on-camera interview on July 10. “And that’s definitely a source of Cyclospora, which is causing this illness.”
She added that the parasite “just loves this type of weather.”
Since May 1, the CDC has received reports of 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis, the agency said, adding that an additional 7,400 cases were suspected across multiple states.
As of July 20, there have been 308 hospitalizations, and no confirmed deaths.
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