Iceberg lettuce is one possible source of cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S.
JULI LEONARD
Raleigh News & Observer
The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported 355 confirmed and probable cases of cyclosporiasis, a disease that causes symptoms such as watery diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, cramping and more, so far this year.
Out of 355 reported cases, 180 were domestically acquired, 134 were in people who reported travel outside the U.S. and 41 had an unknown travel status. Illinois has reported 28 cyclosporiasis-related hospitalizations.
Similarly to many other states, Illinois is seeing an increase in cyclosporiasis cases in 2026 compared to typical years.
“The biggest issue now is that we’re not able to pinpoint to one source as to where exactly this outbreak is coming from,” Dr. Vidya Sundareshan, infectious diseases specialist at Southern Illinois University Medicine and medical advisor to Sangamon County Health Department, said in a July 16 interview with the News-Democrat.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported Saturday a sample of lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico tested positive for Cyclospora, the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, but backtracked Sunday.
“Due to the complexity in detection of Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and have concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive,” the FDA reported Sunday.
While federal health officials are working with Taylor Farms staff to “ensure product implicated in this outbreak has been removed from the market,” the FDA reports there are no confirmed positive sample results for product testing for Cyclospora, as of Sunday.
The increase in cyclosporiasis cases throughout the U.S., with particularly high numbers in Michigan, was previously linked by health authorities to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Taco Bell voluntarily removed affected Taylor Farms lettuce from its restaurants, according to a Friday press release.
Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuces sourced from central Mexico Friday due to potential Cyclospora contamination.
Nationally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 1,644 cyclosporiasis cases between May 1 and July 13, a substantial increase from the previous year, with 94 resulting in hospitalization.
The Bond County Health Department reported Friday three people who had consumed food locally tested positive for cyclosporiasis, and health officials are working to identify the source.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Cyclospora, the Illinois Department of Public Health reports. It spreads from ingesting food or water that is contaminated by infected stool, but is not directly transmitted person-to-person.
The parasite is most often found in fresh produce such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce and snow peas, according to the state health department. Cyclosporiasis is seen more often in the summer months.
State, local, and federal partners are working together to investigate a multi-state outbreak of the parasite Cyclospora. Investigations to identify sources of illness are ongoing. For the latest information, visit: https://t.co/dA79vo8m7q
CDC has also issued a Health Alert… pic.twitter.com/BdJwXtB5MC
— CDC (@CDCgov) July 15, 2026
Common cyclosporiasis symptoms include “explosive” diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating, fatigue, low-grade fever, cramps, nausea and vomiting, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Who’s most at risk of severe illness?
Across the U.S., people age 2- to 95-years-old have contracted cyclosporiasis, Sundareshan said, with an average age around 44, and 56% of cases being reported in women.
Children age 2 and younger and anyone who is immunocompromised are more prone to developing a severe disease from cyclosporiasis, Sundareshan said.
“The usual course of this illness is self-limiting, so it gets better,” Sundareshan said. “But in some people, it can persist for a month or so.”
Antibiotics are commonly recommended once cyclosporiasis is identified with persisting symptoms, Sundareshan said, with seven to 10 days of Bactrim often advised.
How can you prevent cyclosporiasis in Illinois?
Safe food handling is important to mitigate the risk of contracting cyclosporiasis, Sundareshan said. You should separate produce and raw meats, and cook vegetables to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit, she said.
Hand washing is also important, and officials recommend thoroughly washing your fruits and vegetables, although “washing alone cannot guarantee the parasite’s removal,” according to the CDC.
Here’s a roundup of safety tips to protect yourself from cyclosporiasis, from IDPH:
Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, as well as before and after handling, preparing or eating fresh produce.Wash produce thoroughly under clean running water and use a produce brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons, before eating, cutting or cooking.Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible or within two hours. Store produce items away from raw meat or seafood.Remove damaged or bruised areas on fresh produce and peel them, if possible, before preparing, cooking or eating them.
Do you have a question about public health or healthcare in Illinois for the News-Democrat? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Metro-east Matters form below.
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This story was originally published July 20, 2026 at 11:19 AM.
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Meredith Howard is a service journalist with the Belleville News-Democrat. She is a Baylor University graduate and has previously freelanced with the Illinois Times and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.
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