My husband has been looking a little green around the gills the past few days. It started with a night out with the boys last Friday, where a flight of whiskey was consumed (it might've been two, he's not really sure) along with some chili nachos. A day-after stomach-churner, to be sure, but the yuckiness had lingered into this week.
It's probably his diverticulitis acting up, but we're having some good-natured fun ribbing him about possibly being a victim of the parasite outbreak of unknown origins that is currently sweeping the nation. I suggested this afternoon that he should name his parasite if it's going to stick around, but he didn't find that funny at all.
And, really, there's nothing funny about the nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the cyclospora parasite that reportedly causes "explosive" diarrhea and can lead to serious complications like dehydration. The most worrisome part of the entire thing is that officials have yet to identify the source of the outbreak.
So, for a change, we're not going to talk about parasites of the political kind, but those that inhabit the intestines. (And all credit for "lettuce diarrhea" goes to Matt Vespa over at Townhall. Blame him.)
The CDC is investigating a multistate outbreak of the parasite Cyclospora after confirming more than 1,600 illnesses in 34 states since May. Health officials say lettuce and salad greens are emerging as a possible source, but no specific product has been identified.… pic.twitter.com/x186Qbp2Tk
— CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil (@CBSEveningNews) July 14, 2026
Okay, so here's what we do know about cyclosporiasis. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which has been tracking the outbreak since May 1, the parasite makes its victims violently ill, but no deaths have been linked to it thus far.
- 1,645 domestically acquired, laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported to the CDC in 34 states.
- More than 5,100 additional reports are being reviewed to determine whether they meet the federal case definition.
- 141 people have been hospitalized – about 9 percent of confirmed patients.
- No deaths have been reported.
- Patients range from 2 to 95 years old.
- At the comparable point in 2025, CDC had received only 249 cases.
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Pinpointing the source of the parasite has proven challenging so far. Health officials in Michigan have said that a list of foods, mostly produce, has been linked to previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks, including:
- Bagged salad mixes and kits.
- Fresh cilantro.
- Fresh basil.
- Raspberries.
- Snow peas.
- Green onions or scallion.
Now that "lettuce" and "explosive diarrhea" have been linked in the media, restaurants like Chipotle and Taco Bell have made public statements about the efforts they're taking to keep their customers safe. A spokesperson for Taco Bell said in a statement, "The health and safety of our guests is our top priority. While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure."
And Laurie Schalow, Chipotle’s chief corporate affairs and food safety officer, said on July 11, “We are aware of the cyclospora investigation and at this time, we don't believe the ingredients we source are associated. We are monitoring the situation closely and evaluating any new information as it becomes available. The health and safety of our guests and team members is our highest priority.”
If you think you might have contracted the parasite, the CDC offers the following recommendations:
- Visit a clinician if you have prolonged or watery diarrhea, especially if it lasts more than a few days.
- Reduce your risk by thoroughly washing fresh produce under clean running water before eating and by following safe food handling practices. Be aware that chemically disinfecting or sanitizing produce might not fully eliminate Cyclospora. It is important to thoroughly wash produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed.
And, if all else fails, maybe give carnivore a try.
do you know what’s not on the contaminated list?? pic.twitter.com/jOdtpoE84d
— Kevin Finnerty (@timeimmemorial_) July 14, 2026
Stay safe out there, everyone!
