FOX 2 - New cases of Cyclosporiasis continue to be reported across the United States, with numbers in Michigan continuing to grow.
An additional 690 cases were reported on Friday, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – while the hospitalized cases have more than doubled.
Cyclosporiasis Michigan outbreak
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection that spreads when people ingest food or water contaminated with stool. Image: CDC
Big picture view:
Cases of Cyclosporiasis, the foodborne parasite known to cause "explosive diarrhea," are spreading in the U.S. with Michigan one of the states with the highest number of cases.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Infection have linked the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Michigan, as well as four other states.
Do not eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. CDC is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to this outbreak.
On Thursday the FDA issued a statement warning against eating Taco Bell lettuce at Michigan locations.
By the numbers:
As of Friday, July 17:
- 5,0002 cases reported in Michigan
- As of July 17, 2026, 102 reported cases indicated they had been hospitalized
Dig deeper:
More than 1,644 sick people in this outbreak reported eating at Taco Bell locations in 5 states.
FDA's traceback investigation has identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by these Taco Bell locations.
The FDA is working directly with the supplier to determine if contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce went to other places, while Taco Bell is working to stop using this lettuce.
Other food items that could be ruled out have been identified as other sources of the infection.
Meanwhile:
The Cyclosporiasis outbreak afflicting Michigan is also hitting four other states, infecting thousands of residents.
RELATED: Michigan Cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to spiking caseloads in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky
Cyclosporiasis lettuce tips
MDHHS released several recommendations to reduce the possibility of being exposed to the illness.
For lettuce and salad greens:
- Purchase whole heads: Buy whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged lettuce or pre-mixed salad kits.
- Discard outer layers: Before preparation, throw away the outer two to three layers of leaves.
- Wash inner leaves: Thoroughly wash the remaining inner leaves under clean running water.
- Prioritize cooking: For any greens that can be cooked, cooking to a temperature of at least 158 F (70 C) is the safest option, as the parasite is resistant to routine chemical disinfection and washing alone cannot guarantee its removal.
What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which experts say is found in developing countries and is spread by food or water contaminated with feces.
Outbreaks have occurred in the US as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce in hot weather.
It is not known to spread from person-to-person.
RELATED: Taco Bell investigated as lettuce emerges as possible source of cyclosporiasis outbreak
Cyclosporiasis symptoms
Timeline:
Symptoms occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Nausea (vomiting is less common)
- Low-grade fever
Anyone infected who does not get treatment, health experts say the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms could go away and then return one or more times.
Cyclosporiasis treatment
If you experience sudden, ongoing diarrhea, reach out to your health care provider and your local health department.
Symptoms can be improved with an antibiotic.