Latest updates on NC’s 300+ cyclosporiasis cases and a possible Taco Bell link
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
The CDC has identified lettuce served at Taco Bell as the cause of a cyclosporiasis outbreak in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. The organization is still working with suppliers to see if the contaminated produce was sent to other states.
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Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite cyclospora. It can cause prolonged, watery diarrhea and other symptoms. The FDA’s traceback investigation has identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce used in the fast food restaurant as a culprit, and Taco Bell is “working to stop using this lettuce.”
The Washington Post has identified the lettuce supplier as Taylor Farms, but the CDC and FDA have only publicized that “consumers should avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.” More than 1,644 people in those states reported eating at Taco Bell before the onset of illness, which can be up to two weeks.
“CDC is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to this outbreak,” the CDC wrote on its website.
The Charlotte Observer is awaiting comment from the NC Department of Health and Human Services regarding the possible link. The Observer is also awaiting comment from Taco Bell.
There are at least 307 cases in North Carolina as of July 14, according to the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Thirteen have been hospitalized, and 81-160 of the cases were contracted in The United States, according to the CDC.
NC DHHS said on July 17 that the North Carolina cases are not linked to Taco Bell.
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Wake County cyclosporiasis cases have risen to at least 236 with five people hospitalized as of Thursday, July 16 (up about 28%, from 185 on Tuesday, July 14). Another eight are in Orange County, and 18 have been identified in Durham County.
In the Charlotte area, Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County have reported 20 total cases, the Observer previously reported.
Very young, old and immunocompromised people are at higher risk of a severe infection. Cyclosporiasis may take up to two weeks to cause symptoms, and often lasts longer than food poisoning.
According to the CDC, symptoms include:
Less common symptoms may include:
Cyclosporiasis can be treated with a combination antibiotic, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Most people recover without treatment.
Cooking or cleaning produce carefully can lower the risk of infection. Wash produce with clean water and dry it thoroughly.
Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.
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Read more Mecklenburg, Cabarrus report 20 cases of cyclospora parasite. Latest updates
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This story was originally published July 17, 2026 at 9:25 AM.
