{
  "id": 210598,
  "title": "Map Shows 15 States Hit by Largest Cyclospora Outbreak as Cases Surge",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/map-shows-15-states-hit-by-largest-cyclospora-outbreak-as-cases-surge",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-06T06:51:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-15-states-hit-by-largest-cyclospora-outbreak-as-cases-surge-cdc-12290402"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Fifteen states have been linked to a cyclospora outbreak caused by contaminated iceberg lettuce, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition to the previously reported states, Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina have now been affected. This brings the total number of affected states to 15.\n\nThe CDC announced that 6,358 cases of cyclosporiasis, the gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite, have been reported in the United States so far this year. At least 278 individuals required hospitalization due to the outbreak. Michigan reported the first two deaths linked to the outbreak on Monday.\n\nInitially, investigators suspected shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell as the source of the outbreak. However, federal officials have since shifted their focus to produce giant Taylor Farms as the source of the contaminated lettuce. Taylor Farms has since recalled iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico. The CDC reported that 10,468 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis had been identified in 47 states since May 1, with over 12,255 additional cases that have not been laboratory-confirmed or required further investigation. Michigan has seen the majority of cases, according to the CDC.\n\nCyclospora is a microscopic parasite that enters the body through contaminated food or water, leading to intestinal illness. Symptoms typically develop one to two weeks after exposure and can last for over a month without treatment. The standard treatment for cyclosporiasis is antibiotics, and patients are advised to rest and stay hydrated, particularly those with weakened immune systems or poor health.",
  "summary": "Federal health officials said six additional states had been affected by the outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}