Updated Aug. 18, 2026.
Iowa has recorded more than four times as many Cyclospora infections as it did during all of 2025. The state is also part of a multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce.
By Hola America
DES MOINES, IA — Iowa has confirmed 300 Cyclospora infections across 55 counties as health officials investigate the rise in cyclosporiasis cases.
The new total adds 28 infections since Iowa reported 272 cases in early August. It is also more than four times the 69 infections Iowa recorded during all of 2025.
Iowa Health and Human Services considers the current numbers provisional. Additional reports and patient interviews could change the statewide total.
Iowa is also part of the multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico.
Iowa is part of the outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce
Federal and state health officials have connected Iowa cases to the multistate outbreak involving iceberg lettuce from central Mexico.
As of Aug. 13, the outbreak had reached 9,481 confirmed illnesses across 17 states. Health officials also counted at least 398 hospitalizations and two deaths.
However, Iowa HHS has not said how many of Iowa’s 300 infections belong to the lettuce outbreak.
The statewide total can include cases tied to the lettuce outbreak, other exposures or sources that investigators have not identified.
CDC and FDA continue to investigate. Linking a Cyclospora infection to an outbreak can take several weeks, so the national count may continue to change.
Recalled iceberg lettuce should no longer be in stores or restaurants
Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico on July 17.
Food-service companies sent affected products to Iowa between June 29 and July 16. Those products included shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped lettuce and lettuce blends for restaurants and other food-service customers.
The affected products had use-by or best-by dates that extended into early August. Those dates have passed. FDA says the recalled lettuce should no longer be available in stores or restaurants.
The recall also included certain Marketside Iceberg Salad and Shredded Lettuce packages sold at select Walmart stores.
Iowa was not among the states where retailers sold those Marketside packages. However, recalled food-service lettuce did reach Iowa.
The FDA Cyclospora outbreak page lists the affected products and current investigation details.
Washing produce cannot remove all Cyclospora
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis. People can become infected after consuming contaminated food or water.
Iowa HHS recommends rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them. That guidance also applies to produce labeled as prewashed.
A clean produce brush can help scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers. People can also cut away bruised or damaged areas before preparing produce.
Still, washing cannot remove every Cyclospora parasite.
When appropriate, cooking produce to at least 158°F, or 70°C, can kill the parasite.
Soap, bleach and detergent should not be used on produce
FDA advises against washing fruits and vegetables with soap, household detergent or bleach.
Produce can absorb residues from those products, even after rinsing. Clean running water is the recommended option for washing fresh fruits and vegetables.
Household disinfectants also cannot guarantee the removal of Cyclospora.
Sheiren A. Martínez, a microbiologist with a master’s degree in microbiological sciences, previously told Hola America that no household cleaning method completely removes the risk.
“None of these measures eliminates the risk entirely, but together they can significantly reduce the likelihood of exposure,” Martínez said.
Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom
Symptoms usually begin about one week after a person consumes contaminated food or water.
However, they can appear as soon as two days after exposure. In other cases, symptoms may take two weeks or longer to begin.
Frequent, watery diarrhea is the most common symptom. Other symptoms can include:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
- Bloating and increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
Without treatment, the illness can last for weeks or longer. Symptoms can improve and later return.
People with weakened immune systems can develop a longer or more serious illness.
Doctors may need to request a specific Cyclospora test
Iowa HHS says people with symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis can contact a health care provider about testing and treatment.
Routine stool tests do not always include Cyclospora. A doctor may need to order a specific test for the parasite.
Iowa HHS and local health departments continue interviewing people who test positive. Investigators use those interviews to look for common exposures and possible ongoing risks.
Iowa’s latest weekly count includes 300 laboratory-confirmed Cyclospora infections across 55 counties. The state updated that count Aug. 13.
RELATED: Iowa’s Cyclospora investigation began with dozens of cases as recalled lettuce reached the state
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