Record Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Ends After Sickening Over 12,800, CDC Says

U.S. health authorities on Friday announced the end of the largest multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak ever recorded in the nation. The incident, linked by federal investigators to contaminated iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, resulted in thousands of illnesses since May.

Scale of the Outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the outbreak had a significant public health impact across nearly half the country. The final figures from the agency include:

• 12,883 laboratory-confirmed infections
• Cases spread across 21 states
• 570 hospitalizations
• 2 deaths

According to federal and state health officials, Michigan was among the states most affected, reporting both of the fatalities linked to the parasite. Ohio and Missouri also experienced thousands of infections connected to the contaminated produce.

Source and Resolution

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Investigators traced the source of the parasite-borne illness to iceberg lettuce produced by Taylor Farms. The CDC confirmed on Friday that the contaminated products are no longer available in stores or served in restaurants, as they are all past their expiration dates. The agency stated there is currently no risk to the public of contracting cyclosporiasis from lettuce.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite, typically contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with feces.

Context and Significance

This single lettuce-linked event was so extensive that it accounted for more than half of all U.S. cyclosporiasis cases reported since May 1. According to CDC data, the total number of confirmed cases this season reached 19,595, making 2026 the worst year on record for the illness. For investors, such widespread foodborne outbreaks highlight operational and reputational risks within the agricultural supply chain.