📰 Curated from Associated Press
📖 Read full article→As cyclospora illnesses surge to a record, Michigan officials eye lettuce as a possible cause - AP News
Infections from the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora are surging, with 2026 already the nation's worst year for reported cases. More than 30 states have reported infections this year, and current data from them shows the number of infections surpassing th…
✨ Summary
Cyclospora Outbreak Hits Record High as Michigan Points to Lettuce
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Record-breaking year: Infections from the parasite cyclospora have reached unprecedented levels in 2026, with more than 30 states reporting cases. Current figures have already exceeded the previous U.S. record of roughly 4,700 infections set in 2019.
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Michigan hardest hit: The state has logged over 3,300 cases—by far the largest share of the outbreak. Health officials there conducted more than 1,000 patient interviews and identified lettuce and salad greens as a frequently mentioned common factor.
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Multi-state connection: Federal authorities announced Tuesday that outbreaks in at least four states—Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia—appear to be linked, though infection patterns may differ across regions. The exact source remains officially unconfirmed.
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Consumer guidance: Michigan's chief medical executive, Natasha Bagdasarian, advised residents to buy whole heads of lettuce, remove outer leaves, and wash thoroughly. Officials recommended avoiding bagged lettuce and pre-packaged salad kits as a precaution.
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Taco Bell responds: The fast-food chain announced it had voluntarily and temporarily pulled certain ingredients from select locations as a safety measure. Federal officials declined to confirm whether any specific vendor or distributor is under scrutiny, though the FDA said its traceback investigation is examining multiple produce items.
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Health impact: Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that triggers watery, sometimes "explosive" diarrhea, according to the CDC. While unpleasant, the illness is rarely life-threatening and is generally treatable with antibiotics.
Analysis: The scale of this outbreak—already surpassing a seven-year record before year's end—signals potential gaps in produce supply-chain safety that regulators will likely face pressure to address.