First two deaths linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak confirmed as cases hit 18,000 mark
Health officials in Michigan have confirmed that the cyclosporiasis outbreak, causing ‘explosive diarrhoea’ in thousands of US denizens, has claimed the lives of two people.
Reports of gastrointestinal illness are flooding in thick and fast across 45 of the 50 United States, with records showing more than 11,000 cases and 193 hospitalisations in Michigan alone, as per the BBC.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it has received reports of 6,707 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis, it is ‘aware of more than 11,500 additional cases that are ‘not laboratory confirmed or require further investigation and analysis’.
Many of these were reported by Michigan as well as Ohio, the health body warned.
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On August 3, officials confirmed that two individuals had died after being infected with the parasite.
They both had ‘significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration’, health authorities in Michigan claimed.
Cyclosporiasis symptoms to watch out for
In addition to explosive diarrhoea, those who have been infected with the parasite are likely to experience debilitating stomach cramps, bloating, muscle aches, and high temperature.
With antibiotics, the gastrointestinal illness will begin to clear up within a few days.
If not treated, the issue can last up to a month or longer, according to the CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It is important to know that not everyone with Cyclospora will experience symptoms.
Shredded lettuce recalled across the US
On 17 July, Taylor Farms recalled shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
It’s understood that the salad item was distributed 29 June through to 16 July across various US states, including Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, Texas and Flordia, among others.
“We are actively removing the implicated products. The company has stopped receiving product from the implicated lot, suspended distribution of the iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico, notified our customers, and we are continuing to work with the FDA, CDC, and state authorities,” a notice read.
For a full list of recalled lettuce, head to the FDA website here.
It was advised that anyone who purchased the recalled items should discard them ‘immediately’ and abstain from consumption.
Consumers experiencing health issues were advised to contact their health provider, while questions should be sent to Taylor Farms’ customer care team at 855-455-0098 Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm PST.
FOODbible has contacted Taylor Farms for comment.
Taco Bell pull lettuce from menu amid illness outbreak
Prior to the FDA notice, one Taco Bell store in Michigan announced it had pulled lettuce and some other salad items from its menu.
The fast-food outlet warned customers that as well as lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cilantro onion were unavailable for purchase.
“We apologise for the inconvenience. Any items ordered that normally come with these items WILL NOT contain them,” the sign stated at the time.
The company’s decision to pull certain fresh ingredients was apparently due to the health and safety of customers being a ‘top priority’, a statement from Taco Bell Corp said.
“Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer.
“While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities.”
FOODbible has previously contacted Taco Bell for comment.
British holidaymakers suffer with same illness
The parasite isn’t just impacting those who live in the United States; British travellers who recently visited Mexico have reported similar symptoms, including watery stool.
Between 30 April and 15 July 2026, 30 cases of cyclosporiasis, a dire intestinal issue, spread through contaminated food or water, have been reported in England, the UK Health Security Agency has confirmed.
27 cases of the bug, which causes symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, extreme bloating, and gas, have been reported in Scotland.
The BBC reported that, of the 52 cases with travel information available, almost all (48 of 52) admitted to having recently travelled to and from Mexico.
The UKHSA said in a notice that those affected stayed in 'a range of different hotels and consuming a variety of different food and drink within their resort as part of an all-inclusive holiday package'.
"If you develop symptoms after returning from travel, such as watery diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, bloating, increased wind, nausea, fatigue or other flu-like symptoms, please seek medical attention and inform your healthcare professional of your travel history,” Dr Philip Veal from the UKHSA advised.
Ella Scott