US says more than 1,400 infected by parasitic Cyclospora illness outbreak

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing Reuters and The Associated Press, reported on July 22, 2026, that a US outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic gastrointestinal illness, has sickened more than 4,100 people nationwide. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 308 confirmed patients had been hospitalized in 41 states, and no deaths had been reported. The agency also said about 7,400 suspected infections were still being assessed, meaning the case count could increase.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite and is typically linked to contaminated food or water. Symptoms often begin about a week after exposure and can include prolonged, frequent diarrhoea. According to the report, many of the US cases have been associated with lettuce products.

The outbreak has drawn attention to Taylor Farms, a US produce company. On July 17, the company recalled iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico and shipped to US stores and restaurants after US investigators identified Mexican facilities as a likely source. Mexican Health Secretary David Kershenobich challenged that assessment, saying authorities had not found evidence that the outbreak originated in Guanajuato, where an investigation is under way.

Al Jazeera reported that the US Food and Drug Administration’s public statements have shifted. The FDA first said a Taylor Farms lettuce sample from Mexico tested positive for the parasite, then said the result was a false positive after further review, before later stating that its supply-chain inquiry still pointed to the company’s Mexican facilities. The dispute matters for consumers, growers and regulators because identifying the source is central to recalls, trade impacts and preventing additional infections.