A national outbreak of the intestinal parasite cyclospora has sickened thousands across the United States. Since May 1, 2026, the CDC has logged 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis, with more than 5,100 additional reports awaiting confirmation. Ohio has seen its cases triple, reflecting the broader surge.

The outbreak timeline shows the first Ohio cases reported in Lucas and Monroe Counties on July 1. By July 10, the Ohio Department of Health recorded 364 cases, which jumped to 1,192 by July 16. In response, Taco Bell removed suspect ingredients on July 9 and later pulled Taylor Farms lettuce entirely on July 17, prompting an FDA nationwide recall of the product distributed to Walmart and food‑service suppliers.

Cyclosporiasis, caused by the microscopic parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis*, brings explosive watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, cramping, bloating, nausea and fatigue. The CDC recommends trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim/Septra) as treatment, though many healthy individuals recover spontaneously. Prevention focuses on washing produce, avoiding fecal‑contaminated water, and refrigerating cut fruits and vegetables within two hours.