Wayne County has more confirmed cyclosporiasis cases than any other county in Michigan, with 1,036 reported as of Friday, July 24, according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The county figure puts Plymouth and Canton residents squarely in the state's hardest-hit region. Statewide, the case count reached 9,253 as of noon on Monday, July 27, up from 8,176 on Friday, July 24, according to the MDHHS outbreak page. The department said approximately 475 of those cases were not previously reported due to delayed laboratory reporting and do not reflect a sudden spike in new illnesses.
Michigan typically sees about 50 cyclosporiasis cases per year. The 2026 outbreak has now spread to 70 of the state's 82 counties.
As of Thursday, July 23, 160 people had been hospitalized statewide. MDHHS updates hospitalization figures weekly on Thursdays. Washtenaw County had the second-highest case count at 773, followed by Oakland County at 710 and Ingham County at 698.
Taylor Farms recall and Taco Bell connection
Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on Friday, July 17. The FDA published the recall on Saturday, July 18.
The recalled lettuce was distributed June 29 through July 16 to 27 states, including Michigan. It was supplied to food service customers through Sysco and other channels, including Taco Bell locations in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. Taco Bell has stopped using the recalled lettuce at affected locations.
Two consumer products are also affected: Marketside Iceberg Salad (12 oz. or 24 oz.) and Marketside Shredded Lettuce (8 oz. or 16 oz.) sold at Walmart stores with "Best if Used By" dates between July 18 and August 3. No Taylor Farms-branded products are involved.
Taylor Farms said it is no longer sourcing iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico for the remainder of the growing season and that the recall has been completed, with products removed from the marketplace.
FDA retracts earlier test result
The FDA retracted an earlier positive test for Cyclospora found in a Taylor Farms lettuce sample, calling it a false positive that "does not represent true amplification." But the agency maintained that the retraction does not change the basis for its investigation or the epidemiological data supporting the recall.
The FDA's recommendation stands: do not eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.
How to reduce risk
MDHHS recommends Michigan residents buy whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged lettuce or pre-mixed salad kits. The agency's guidance:
- Remove the outer two to three layers of leaves and discard any damaged leaves.
- Wash remaining inner leaves under clean running water.
- Cook greens to at least 158°F (70°C) when possible. The parasite is resistant to routine chemical disinfection, and washing alone cannot guarantee removal.
Fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions have been linked to previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks and should be handled with extra care, according to MDHHS.
The Wayne County Health Department said that without treatment, the illness can last for weeks and may recur. Cyclosporiasis is treatable with antibiotics. Anyone experiencing sudden, ongoing diarrhea should contact their health care provider and local health department, according to MDHHS.
What's next
MDHHS updates statewide case numbers daily, Monday through Friday, on its Infectious Disease Outbreaks webpage at michigan.gov/mdhhs. The next county-level update is scheduled for Thursday, July 30. Residents with questions about the Taylor Farms recall can call the company at 855-455-0098, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. The Wayne County Health Department can be reached at 734-727-7101.
