Last updated: August 13, 2026
Update, August 13: Ohio’s cyclospora outbreak kept growing through the summer, but the pace of new infections has slowed sharply. The Ohio Department of Health’s infectious disease dashboard now shows 5,452 reported cases statewide in 2026, up from 1,316 in mid-July. Nearly all of that growth came in July, when 4,042 people got sick and new cases topped 500 a day at the peak in the middle of the month. The dashboard shows about 40 cases so far in August. That number will rise as new reports come in, but it’s a fraction of July’s pace.
Cuyahoga County has reported the most cases at 694, with Lucas County close behind at 690. Franklin County’s total stands at 158.
The picture on the source has also firmed up. After July’s confusion over lab testing, the CDC now describes the multistate outbreak as linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. Taylor Farms recalled that lettuce on July 17, and the best-by dates on the recalled products have passed, so they should no longer be in stores or restaurants. Nationally, the CDC has confirmed 13,895 cases since May 1.
The original story, as updated July 19, continues below.
Ohio’s growing cyclospora outbreak had sickened more than 1,300 people by mid-July, and a major update from the FDA changed part of the story.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, the state had reported 1,316 cases of cyclosporiasis and 96 hospitalizations as of mid-July. While investigators continued working to identify the exact source of the outbreak, the FDA said laboratory testing that initially appeared to detect the parasite in recalled lettuce was actually a false positive.
So, what does that mean for Ohioans? Here’s where things stood.
The FDA Has Updated Its Investigation
In mid-July, Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico after an initial laboratory test appeared to detect Cyclospora cayetanensis, the microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis.
But on July 19, the FDA announced that additional testing found the original laboratory result was a false positive. At the time, the agency said there were no confirmed positive product samples linked to the outbreak.
That didn’t mean the investigation was over.
The FDA said it was still working with the CDC and state health officials to determine exactly what caused the outbreak, with Taylor Farms cooperating in that investigation. The recalled lettuce had already been removed from the market out of an abundance of caution.
Why Is Lettuce Still Part Of The Investigation?
Even without a positive laboratory test, investigators continued to focus on shredded iceberg lettuce because of what they learned from the people who became sick.
According to the CDC, more than 1,600 people with cyclosporiasis reported eating at Taco Bell restaurants in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and West Virginia before becoming ill. Investigators believed shredded iceberg lettuce served at those restaurants was the leading suspect.
State Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff has also said outbreaks like this are commonly traced back to imported fresh produce.
According to the Ohio Capital Journal, Vanderhoff said, “Anytime we see an outbreak in Ohio or the broader Midwest, that outbreak is generally going to be traceable back to imported fresh produce, especially things like leafy greens, berries, fresh herbs that were contaminated at their original source.”
Where Is Ohio Seeing The Most Cases?
By mid-July, Ohio had reported 1,316 cases statewide, with 96 hospitalizations.
Lucas County had recorded the highest number of reported illnesses at that point with 278 cases, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Health officials say people who became sick generally started experiencing symptoms on or after June 22.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Fresh produce is often involved because the parasite can contaminate fruits and vegetables before they reach grocery stores or restaurants.
Unlike many gastrointestinal illnesses, cyclospora generally is not spread directly from person to person. Symptoms usually develop anywhere from two days to two weeks after exposure and can include:
- Watery diarrhea that can be frequent and severe
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating and gas
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Headache or body aches
Some people never develop symptoms, while others may notice symptoms improve before returning again days or weeks later.
Without treatment, the illness can last from several days to more than a month. Doctors typically prescribe the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole to treat the infection.
Can You Still Eat Fresh Produce?
Health officials say yes.
The investigation doesn’t mean people should stop eating fruits and vegetables. Instead, experts recommend taking a few simple precautions:
- Wash your hands before preparing food.
- Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.
- Scrub firm produce like melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush.
- Dry produce before refrigerating it.
- Pay attention to food recalls and public health alerts.
If you develop prolonged diarrhea, signs of dehydration, or symptoms that don’t improve, contact your healthcare provider.
