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The US faces its largest cyclospora parasite outbreak in history with over 11,500 confirmed and suspected cases across 41 states.

The US is currently experiencing a record-breaking cyclospora parasite outbreak, with the CDC reporting more than 11,500 confirmed and suspected cases across 41 states. This year's caseload is significantly higher than previous years, with the CDC reporting only 249 cases by mid-July in 2025. Health officials are struggling to identify the exact source of the contamination, as the parasite is exclusively found in human feces and often takes weeks to manifest symptoms. The administration announced that the FDA is investigating multiple outbreaks, including a large nine-state cluster linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. This lettuce was used by Taco Bell, which reported over 1,900 consumers falling ill in nine states. While Taylor Farms voluntarily removed its Mexico-based iceberg lettuce from shelves, the parasite's long incubation period means new cases may continue to appear into August. Public perception of the FDA is mixed, with many Americans now buying less produce due to the outbreak. Republicans generally express more confidence in the FDA's ability to manage the crisis than Democrats.

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