# Cyclospora outbreak map: Affected states and case hotspots in the US Midwest emerges as the epicenter of the diarrhea-causing parasitic infection. - **Source:** [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-21 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9baa5b82-2a90-4e6b-9965-406fa2539ab4 ## Outbreak scale Over 11,276 Cyclospora cases reported across 46 US states, with Michigan and Ohio leading in infections. The parasite spreads through contaminated food/water, causing weeks of severe diarrhea. Georgetown University data highlights the Midwest as the most affected region. ## Data discrepancies CDC confirms 1,645 cases while state reports vary significantly. Some states count only outbreak-linked cases, others include all 2026 reports. Conflicting information between FDA and Taylor Farms complicates source identification efforts. ## Geographic spread Majority of cases cluster in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states. Yale epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina calls the Midwest outbreak 'an uncontrollable beast.' A separate cilantro-linked outbreak is suspected in New York, adding complexity. ## Product recall Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled Mexican-sourced iceberg lettuce distributed in 27 states (June 29-July 16). FDA warns against consuming recalled products while continuing investigations. Other food sources remain potential contamination risks. ## Transmission risks Cyclospora resists disinfectants and may survive washing. Symptoms can take 2 weeks to appear, complicating tracebacks. Cooking above 158°F (70°C) kills the parasite. Choosing whole heads over pre-washed salads reduces exposure. ## Outlook uncertainty Experts cannot predict when the outbreak will end—either when contaminated food is exhausted or cooler temperatures halt parasite maturation. Data reporting lags make real-time assessment challenging, with cases potentially rising until late August. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.businessinsider.com/cyclosporiasis-outbreak-map-diarrhea-parasite-what-states-2026-7 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._