CDC confirms 1,645 cyclosporiasis cases, lettuce linked

Health officials are investigating a widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, with lettuce or salad greens identified as a likely source. As of July 15, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,645 cases across 34 states since May 1, with more than 5,100 additional cases under investigation. The outbreak is concentrated in several Midwestern and Eastern states, with Michigan reporting the highest number of infections.

Michigan health officials announced on July 13 that their investigation, which included interviews with more than 1,000 patients, points to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source. Officials emphasized that no specific type of lettuce, grower, supplier, or brand has been identified, and other food items have not been ruled out. No nationwide food recall has been issued. The CDC stated that hundreds of cases in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia appear to be linked to a common source, though the investigation is ongoing.

The scale of the outbreak is unprecedented. Michigan typically sees about 50 cases annually; state figures now show thousands of infections, representing more than...