Alabama health officials report 28 cases of Cyclospora amid national outbreak
FDA says Taylor Farms lettuce sample that tested positive for Cyclospora was a false positive; none of Alabama’s cases linked to Taco Bell locations under investigation
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBRC) - The Alabama Department of Public Health has reported 28 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in the state as of July 20, as part of an ongoing national outbreak. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
Where Alabama cases are concentrated
Of the 28 cases, 22 — or 78.6% — are in the Northern District. Two cases, or 7.1%, are in the Southwestern District. One case each has been reported in the Mobile, Northeastern, Southeastern, and West Central Districts.
Only two cases have required hospitalization. There have been no deaths. Four cases, or 14.3%, are related to international travel. Eight cases, or 28.6%, are associated with two separate foodborne outbreaks at Mexican-style restaurants, according to ADPH.
FDA: Taylor Farms positive result was a false positive
FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed sample results from Taylor Farms de Mexico and concluded that a previously reported positive result for Cyclospora is a false positive. As of July 19, 2026, there are no confirmed positive sample results from product testing for Cyclospora, according to the FDA. FDA and state partners continue to collect and analyze product samples.
Alabama cases not linked to Taco Bell locations
Federal partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA, have identified a link between the national outbreak and certain lots of shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Currently, none of the Alabama cases have been directly linked to those Taco Bell locations, according to ADPH. The investigation is ongoing.
Lettuce recall underway
Working with the FDA, Taylor Farms de Mexico and Taylor Fresh Foods are voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market out of an abundance of caution. Products supplied to KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Sysco, Cross Valley Farms, and Peak Fresh Produce are included in the recall.
Symptoms and what to do
Primary symptoms of cyclosporiasis include watery diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Other symptoms may include stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and weight loss.
Symptoms usually begin about one week after infection, ranging from two days to more than two weeks. Without treatment, symptoms can last from a few days to a month or longer.
Cyclosporiasis is typically linked to the consumption of contaminated fresh produce, including basil, cilantro, leafy greens such as lettuce, snow peas, berries, and melons, according to ADPH.
When to contact a doctor
Health officials are urging anyone with symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact their healthcare provider. Patients should specifically request testing for Cyclospora, as routine stool tests may not detect the parasite.
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