HEALTH
Disease Outbreaks and Epidemics
Ate lettuce recently? Here’s how to tell if you have cyclosporiasis
Anthony ThompsonUSA TODAY
July 21, 2026, 7:34 p.m. ET
As health officials investigate a <a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-5-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026″ rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>multistate cyclospora outbreak, so far linked to recalled iceberg lettuce, many Americans are asking the same question after eating a salad or sandwich: Should I be worried?
Federal health officials have linked shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states to a subset of the outbreak, prompting the fast-food chain to pull Taylor Farms lettuce from its food
Additionally, Taylor Farms de Mexico has recalled certain iceberg lettuce products sold at Walmart under the Marketside brand and distributed to restaurants and other food-service customers
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently addressed the spread of cyclosporiasis, telling reporters during a July 21 news briefing that “we do have the outbreak under control.”
“We have done extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics, and we have identified theve implemented a recall,” Kennedy added
Experts say people who recently ate lettuce shouldn’t panic, but they should watch for symptoms and know when to seek medical care
Here’s more on the ongoing outbreak and what the public should watch out for
What foods should you avoid right now?
The Food and Drug Administration advises consumers not to eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The recall includes certain Marketside-brand iceberg salads and shredded lettuce sold at Walmart with “Best if Used By” dates from July 18 through Aug. 3, 2026
The FDA also recommends avoiding recalled iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations and other restaurants if you don’t know where the lettuce came from. Consumers who purchased recalled products should throw them away and clean any surfaces or containers the lettuce touched to reduce cross-contamination, according to the agency
Until investigators fully identify theeing cautious with bagged salads, leafy greens and fresh herbs that cannot be thoroughly washed or cooked
How long after eating contaminated lettuce do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually don’t begin immediately
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people typically develop symptoms about two days to two weeks after swallowing the cyclospora parasite. That means someone who ate contaminated lettuce may not feel sick for several days
Because symptoms can take time to appear, health officials advise people experiencing prolonged diarrhea to think back about what they ate in the previous two weeks
What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
The most common symptom is frequent watery diarrhea, which can sometimes be severe or “explosive.”
- Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
- Bloating and increased gas
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Body aches
- Headache
- Fever
Some people never develop symptoms, while others see symptoms improve only for them to return days later
Without treatment, the illness can last from several days to a month or longer and may lead to dehydration, especially in older adults and people with weakened immune systems
How do doctors test for cyclosporiasis?
Doctors diagnose cyclosporiasis through laboratory testing of a stool sample, according to health officials
The FDA recommends that people who develop symptoms of cyclosporiasis contact a health care provider for testing and treatment, especially if they ate shredded iceberg lettuce in the two weeks before becoming sick
When should you seek a doctor?
Health experts say mild diarrhea for a day may not require medical treatment, but persistent symptoms should not be ignored
The FDA recommends contacting a health care provider if you develop symptoms after eating shredded iceberg lettuce within the previous two weeks
Medical attention is especially important if diarrhea lasts several days, you become dehydrated, develop a high fever, notice blood in your stool, or have a weakened immune system
How is cyclosporiasis treated?
Treatment typically involves the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, according to health officials. People with diarrhea are also encouraged to rest and drink plenty of fluids
How long does cyclosporiasis last?
Without treatment, symptoms can continue for a month or longer, and many people experience relapses where symptoms disappear before returning
With appropriate antibiotic treatment, many patients begin feeling better within a week or two, though some may experience occasional diarrhea for several more weeks
Can you get cyclosporiasis more than once?
Yes.
Health officials say recovering from cyclosporiasis does not provide lasting immunity. People who have already had the illness can become infected again if they are exposed to contaminated food or water
Experts say that’s because cyclospora primarily infects the intestinal tract rather than triggering the type of immune response that creates long-term protection, meaning previous infection should not be viewed as protection against future illness
Contributing: Melina Khan and Mike Snider, USA TODAY
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompson
