Federal health authorities have expanded their investigation into a widespread outbreak of cyclospora linked to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants, now involving four additional states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Friday that Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania are newly associated with the parasite outbreak, which was previously reported in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

The total number of confirmed cases connected to the contaminated lettuce has risen to 1,947, with at least 98 hospitalizations but no fatalities reported. Public health officials caution that the actual number of infections is likely higher because not all cases are reported. The CDC, along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health departments, continues to trace the distribution of the lettuce and interview affected individuals to identify their food exposure within the two weeks preceding symptom onset.

The FDA has identified Taylor Farms, a producer of iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico, as the likely source of the outbreak. The company initiated a recall of the lettuce last week. Mexican health authorities conducted inspections at the Taylor Farms plant in Guanajuato between July 18 and 20, collecting samples of both lettuce and water. Their preliminary results reported no presence of the parasite in the samples tested.

Since the outbreak began in early May, the CDC has received reports of more than 4,100 laboratory-confirmed infections across 41 states and is investigating over 7,400 additional probable cases. Officials have noted that other brands or distribution channels may also be involved as the inquiry continues.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that contaminates produce through contact with fecally contaminated water or surfaces, commonly via irrigation or washing processes. Infection leads to gastrointestinal illness characterized by frequent, sometimes severe diarrhea.

In a separate development, the FDA announced on Thursday that it is investigating another outbreak of cyclospora involving at least 72 people, though no source has yet been identified.

On Friday, in response to the outbreak's impact and its link to lettuce from Mexico, President Donald Trump stated that his administration would impose significant tariffs on Mexican lettuce imports. This announcement underscores growing tensions as federal agencies and international partners work to resolve the source and prevent further spread of the parasite.