15 States Now Reporting Cases of Parasitic Illness Linked to Iceberg Lettuce

A Taylor Farms sign is displayed at one of their facilities on in San Juan Bautista, Calif., on July 17, 2026. Taylor Farms, a global fresh produce supplier, is allegedly connected to a recent cyclosporiasis outbreak. Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images

A foodborne illness outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce grown in Mexico has been reported in 15 U.S. states, with health officials reporting thousands of infections and hundreds of hospitalizations as investigations continue.

Health officials on Wednesday said the outbreak of cyclosporiasis had expanded from nine to 15 states, with Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina newly added to the list of affected states. Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia had already reported cases.

The total case count in this multistate outbreak is currently at 6,358 illnesses and at least 278 hospitalizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and occurs when people consume food or water contaminated with the parasite. Fresh produce, including berries, leafy greens, herbs, and other raw fruits and vegetables, are among the common sources of infection. Infections lead to diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues.

U.S. cases of cyclosporiasis have reached record levels this year. The current outbreak is among the largest foodborne illness events in recent U.S. history.

Michigan Cases

Michigan health officials reported Wednesday 12,218 cases of cyclosporiasis, which represents an increase of 710 from the previous day’s number.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said 193 people had been hospitalized as of July 30. Two deaths have been linked to the outbreak, with both individuals having significant underlying health conditions before becoming sick, according to officials. The two Michigan residents fell ill before a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce, which was announced by the FDA on July 17.

Authorities have linked the outbreak to lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants operated by Yum Brands. They later identified Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico as the source of the iceberg lettuce. Health officials say they are probing for other potential sources beyond the lettuce.

Meanwhile, quick-service chain Salad and Go filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday, citing the outbreak among factors that led it to shutter more than 70 remaining locations.

An Arkansas state health department spokesperson confirmed that it is one of the six new states combating the outbreak, having seen 205 cases of the infection as of Wednesday. North Carolina has reported 149 new cases since July 28 with nine new hospitalizations, according to data from the state health department.

“Exposures to Taco Bell or lettuce make up a small proportion of the overall ​increase in cyclosporiasis cases seen in North Carolina over recent months,” the North Carolina state health department said in a statement.

Mexico’s health ministry is also investigating the tourist area of Quintana Roo after British authorities reported cyclosporiasis among travelers who spent time there.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.