Federal and state health officials are investigating fast-growing outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in 2026, with cases in Texas and at least 16 other states, and a cluster of 700+ cases in Michigan alone. No specific food has been identified, but contaminated fresh produce is the leading suspect.
Need a Texas Cyclospora Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you got sick after eating fresh produce contaminated with Cyclospora, contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Texas Among States in CDC Cyclospora Investigation
In 2026, federal and state health officials began investigating a rise in cyclosporiasis infections, with Texas among the states reporting illnesses. The CDC reported 145 cases across 17 states between May 1 and June 16, with 20 people hospitalized and no deaths.
Another outbreak has grown fastest in Michigan, where officials reported more than 700 cases since June 22, 2026. At least 36 people have been hospitalized as of July 6. Michigan normally sees only about 50 cases in an entire year, so the current numbers are more than 10X higher than usual.
As of early July 2026, no single food source had been identified. The FDA said its investigation was ongoing. State officials said their leading hypothesis was contaminated fresh produce moving through national food distribution networks.
What Is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. It does not usually spread from person to person, because the parasite must spend time in the environment before it becomes infectious.
Symptoms typically begin 2 to 14 days after exposure. The hallmark symptom is sudden, explosive watery diarrhea, and without treatment the illness can last for weeks or return after seeming to improve. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden, watery or explosive diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating and gas
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever and weight loss
Which Foods Have Been Linked to Past Cyclospora Outbreaks?
No specific food has been named as the source of the 2026 outbreak. Health officials note that previous Cyclospora outbreaks in the U.S. and Canada have been linked to fresh produce, including:
- Bagged salad mixes and kits
- Fresh cilantro and fresh basil
- Raspberries
- Snow peas and scallions
- Parsley and broccoli
This list reflects the history of these outbreaks and is not a confirmed source for the illnesses happening now. Investigators are still tracing patient food histories and using whole genome sequencing to try to find the origin.
How Many People Got Sick?
The CDC reported 145 cases across 17 states, including Texas, between May 1 and June 16, with 20 hospitalizations. Michigan separately reported more than 700 cases and 36 hospitalizations by July 6, and Ohio reported 177 cases as of July 2.
Legal Help for Cyclospora Victims in Texas
Texas families buy fresh produce, bagged salads, and herbs year-round from grocery chains and markets across Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and beyond. The Texas Department of State Health Services issued an advisory in May 2026 reminding providers to consider Cyclospora infection in patients with persistent watery diarrhea, particularly during the warmer months when cases tend to rise.
When contaminated produce enters the food supply, the consequences can be weeks of severe illness, lost wages, and mounting medical bills. Texans who got sick during this outbreak may be entitled to compensation for those losses.
Need a Texas Cyclospora Lawsuit?
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