Cyclosporiasis Outbreak 2026: 843+ CDC Cases Across 31 States — Doctor Explains Symptoms, Treatment, and the Raspberry Warning

Last Updated on July 13, 2026 by Grace Oluchi

What Is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that infects the small intestine. Unlike bacteria that cause food poisoning within hours, Cyclospora takes about 7 days after exposure to make you sick.

This matters because: if you ate something 12 hours ago and got sick, it’s not Cyclospora.

The 2026 Outbreak by the Numbers

Source	Cases	Affected Area	As of
CDC (federal)	843	31 states	July 9
Michigan DHHS	1,562	43 counties	July 10
Estimated total	~3,000	31+ states	July 13

The FDA has not yet identified the contaminated food. This means no recall has been issued — you cannot protect yourself simply by avoiding a known product.

6 Symptoms to Watch For

1. Watery diarrhea — 6-10 bowel movements per day at peak, often described as explosive
2. Severe fatigue — worse than you’d expect from diarrhea alone
3. Stomach cramps and bloating
4. Loss of appetite and weight loss
5. Nausea
6. Low-grade fever (under 101°F / 38.5°C) — only in about 1 in 3 cases

Why Raspberries Are a Problem

The Cyclospora oocyst (infectious form) is 8-10 micrometers — roughly the size of a red blood cell.

Raspberries have microscopic papillae (hair-like projections) on their surface. The parasite gets physically trapped in these hairs. Washing cannot remove it. The CDC states that rinsing produce is “not likely to remove” Cyclospora. Cooking kills it. Freezing does not.

Foods linked to past outbreaks:

• Raspberries (multiple outbreaks)
• Cilantro (Mexico-origin)
• Basil
• Snow peas
• Bagged salad mixes
• Mesclun lettuce

Treatment

Situation	Treatment
Adults	TMP-SMX DS (Bactrim) twice daily for 7-10 days
Children	Weight-based dosing — ask your pediatrician
Sulfa allergy	Requires infectious disease specialist — no proven alternative
Symptom relief	Imodium helps symptoms but does NOT cure the infection

Cyclospora vs. Stomach Virus: How to Tell the Difference

	Norovirus / Stomach Bug	Cyclosporiasis
When it starts	12-48 hours after exposure	~7 days after exposure
How long it lasts	1-3 days	Weeks to months if untreated
Pattern	Gets bad, then better (once)	Comes and goes in waves
Fatigue level	Mild	Severe, disproportionate
Stool test needed?	No	Yes — must be specifically ordered
Treatment	Rest and fluids	Prescription antibiotic (Bactrim)

How to Protect Yourself (Until the Source Is Found)

1. Cook your produce — heat kills Cyclospora. This is the only guaranteed method
2. Avoid raw raspberries, cilantro, and basil during the outbreak (highest historical risk)
3. Wash produce under running water — reduces risk but does not eliminate it
4. Scrub firm produce (carrots, potatoes) with a brush
5. Wash hands after handling fresh produce

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Map

States with confirmed cases: Michigan (1,562 — largest cluster), Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, plus 25 additional states.

For the most current map, check the CDC Cyclosporiasis page.

Quick Answers

Can I catch it from another person?
Rare. The parasite needs time in the environment before it becomes infectious.

Can I get it again after treatment?
Yes. Reinfection is possible. No long-lasting immunity.

Should I throw away my raspberries?
The CDC hasn’t named a specific food. If you’re in a high-incidence state (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois), avoiding raw raspberries and cilantro is a reasonable precaution.

Does hand sanitizer kill it?
No. Alcohol-based sanitizers do not reliably kill Cyclospora. Wash with soap and water.

Sources

• CDC Cyclosporiasis Surveillance
• FDA Active Outbreak Investigations
• FDA Cyclospora Information
• Michigan DHHS
• Medical Daily Produce Safety Guide

What About Taco Bell and Taylor Farms?

Multiple breakout searches this week mention Taco Bell and Taylor Farms in connection with the Cyclospora outbreak.

The FDA has not officially named either as a confirmed source as of July 13. However, past Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to produce from Taylor Farms, and Taco Bell has faced produce-related investigations before.

Neither company has issued a recall. If you ate at Taco Bell recently and developed diarrhea 7 days later, mention it to your doctor. The FDA investigation is ongoing.

Bottom line: Until the FDA confirms a source, avoid raw raspberries, cilantro, and basil — the highest-risk foods from past outbreaks.

Is the Lettuce Recall Related to Cyclospora?

Lettuce recall is surging in search this week. Here is what you need to know.

There is no confirmed link between current lettuce recalls and the Cyclospora outbreak as of July 13. Lettuce recalls are typically issued for E. coli or Salmonella contamination — different bacteria that cause illness within hours, not days.

If you recently bought bagged lettuce and see a recall notice, check the FDA recall list. The current Cyclospora outbreak has not been linked to lettuce by the FDA.

However, bagged salad mixes and mesclun lettuce have been linked to Cyclospora outbreaks in past years (2020, 2022). Until the source is identified, washing all bagged lettuce before eating is a reasonable precaution.

Last updated: July 13, 2026. This article will be updated as new information becomes available.