The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expanding the ongoing cyclospora outbreak to 15 states, adding six more states to the previously reported nine, according to a Washington Post report on Tuesday, August 4, citing individuals familiar with the investigation.

An investigation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants. The lettuce was sourced from Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico. However, authorities continue to investigate other potential sources.

Missouri, reporting 1,095 cases, is among the newly added states. Patients interviewed by state and local investigators reported consuming Taco Bell before falling ill.

Michigan remains the hardest-hit state, with 11,508 reported cases as of Tuesday, August 4, an increase of over 200 from the previous day. The state also reported the first two deaths associated with the outbreak, both involving individuals with significant underlying health conditions.

The CDC, whose surveillance data lags behind state reports by several weeks, recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide as of July 28, along with more than 11,500 suspected cases pending laboratory confirmation. This outbreak is among the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent US history.

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