PODCAST:
July 16, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson discuss Cyclospora with Wayne State professor Diane Cress. She explains how to safely wash produce to prevent illness despite rising case numbers in Michigan.
MICHIGAN ~ A parasitic outbreak in Michigan ballooned to 4,312 cases Friday afternoon, with the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control determining that lettuce sold at some Taco Bell restaurants appears to be the culprit for the diarrhea explosion.
The agencies found that shredded lettuce used in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia locations was the source of the Cyclosporiasis outbreak in those states, with officials urging people not to eat lettuce from those Taco Bell establishments. The Washington Post reported that Taylor Farms is likely the produce supplier from which these locations received the lettuce.
Most of the Michigan cases are concentrated in the southeast, with a total of 34 states a part of the outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is commonly spread by food or water contaminated with feces. In recent years, outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce, especially during the summer months. Cyclosporiasis is not known to spread from person to person. Symptoms occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and mild fevers.
Individuals experiencing sudden gastrointestinal illness are encouraged to be evaluated by a health care provider. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can be significantly improved with antibiotic treatment. If untreated, the illness may last for a few days to a month or longer. Providers are urged to consider cyclosporiasis among patients presenting with acute gastrointestinal illness in southeast Michigan.
To help avoid any illness from cyclospora or other harmful bacteria or organisms, public health officials recommend the following:
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible.
- Cook when you can, since heating food to 158°F or higher kills Cyclospora.
