NewsChicago Sun-TimesJuly 17, 2026United States
What to know about the cyclosporiasis outbreak in Illinois
Illinois has confirmed 309 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite often linked to contaminated fresh produce. While most people recover within two weeks, health officials are investigating the source of the outbreak and advising residents on safe food handling practices.
Read the full story at Chicago Sun-TimesWhy It Matters
Residents face a potential risk of foodborne illness, with 24 hospitalizations reported in Illinois, necessitating increased attention to produce washing and food safety precautions.
Key Facts
- Illinois has confirmed 309 cases of cyclosporiasis.
- 24 people in Illinois have been hospitalized due to the illness.
- 125 Illinois cases are linked to international travel, 152 to domestic travel, and 32 are unknown.
- Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite cyclospora, spread through feces-contaminated water or produce.
- The illness is not transmitted from person to person.
- Most people recover in one to two weeks with rest and fluids, though some require antibiotics.
- Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, gas, and nausea.
- The CDC reported 1,645 cases across 34 states nationally.
- Michigan reported 4,312 cases as of Friday.
- Taco Bell removed shredded lettuce from its supply chain in several states due to a separate outbreak cluster.
- Federal reporting for cyclospora parasites became optional in 2025 following cuts to the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network.
- Health officials recommend cooking vegetables to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit and washing produce thoroughly.
Who's Mentioned
personChristina Gelder“Representative of Ellis Family Farms.”organizationTaylor Farms“Supplier of lettuce to Taco Bell.”organizationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention“Federal agency investigating the national outbreak.”personGwen Biggerstaff“CDC deputy director of foodborne, waterborne and environmental diseases.”personDr. Emily Landon“Infectious diseases specialist at University of Chicago Medicine.”organizationIllinois Department of Public Health“State agency tracking and investigating the outbreak.”organizationTaco Bell“Linked to a separate outbreak cluster in other states.”