FSM 396: The Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak is Solved

Transcript [Music] From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute. There’s a multi-state outbreak of an illness caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms typically develop about a week later. Symptoms include diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Although cases have been reported in 31 states, Michigan has recorded the largest number with 4,312 confirmed cases as of July 16th. As of July 16th, the source of the outbreak has been identified to a single source provider of shredded iceberg lettuce going to Taco Bell locations in Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. Taco Bell has told the Food and Drug Administration it will no longer use the supplier. I’m Susie Craig from Washington State University Extension. [Music] Resources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (July 14, 2026). Parasites – About Cyclosporiasis (English and Spanish). https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/index.html. Accessed online 7/16/26. Food and Drug Administration. Investigation of 5 State Outbreak of Cyclospora Illnesses: Iceberg Lettuce (July 16, 2026). https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-5-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026#:~:text=The%20FDA%20and%20CDC%2C%20in%20collaboration%20with%20state,in%20Indiana%2C%20Kentucky%2C%20Michigan%2C%20Ohio%2C%20and%20West%20Virginia. Accessed online 7/17/26. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (July 16, 2026). Infectious Disease Outbreaks – Cyclosporiasis Outbreak. https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/infectious-diseases/infectious-disease-outbreaks. Accessed online 7/16/26.