Inside 7 Outbreaks In The U.S. Everyone Should Be Aware Of

Lately, the US has been suffering from Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause severe intestinal distress, and New World Screw Worms, which blowfly larvae that primarily target livestock and pets. 

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) estimated, “Each year 48 million people get sick from a foodborne illness, and of those millions, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die.”

However, those are not the only things that are going around. According to the CDC, there are 7 different foodborne illnesses on the loose, such as E. Coli, Infant Botulism, Listeria, and Salmonella. 

Currently, the CDC is investigating Cyclospora as it’s infecting fresh produce. This is a parasite that affects fresh produce, including basil, iceberg lettuce, salad mixes, cilantro, blueberries, and carrots, among other vegetables and fruits. 

So far, Cyclospora has been linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de México, the processing center for the Taylor Farms brand in Mexico, along with the lettuce used at various Taco Bells. The cases currently sit at 10,468, with 517 hospitalizations, 2 deaths, and 47 states reporting as of this month. 

E. Coli

The CDC has found E.Coli bacteria in frozen blueberries. Per the World Health Organization (WHO), the condition “is transmitted to humans primarily through consumption of contaminated foods, such as raw or undercooked ground meat products, raw milk, and contaminated raw vegetables and sprouts.”

The outbreak is linked to Greenwise blueberries and berry mixes.

Infant Botulism

Infant Botulism has been spreading, which the CDC has narrowed down to ByHeart’s Nara Organics Infant Formula. 

According to Utah State’s definition is that “Infant Botulism happens when Clostridium botulinum bacterial spores grow in a baby’s intestinal tract.” 

The recalled product has had four reported cases with four of the afflicted being hospitalized across three states.

Listeria

The CDC has revealed Listeria (or Listeria monocytogenes) bacteria is currently affecting Requesón and Soft Ricotta Cheese amongst other cheeses. 

The CDC defines Listeria as, “…[A] type of disease-causing bacteria that can be found in many places, including soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation, and animals. It can survive and grow even under refrigeration.”

There are currently 12 known victims, with 10 hospitalizations, one death, and found in four different states as of June 2026.

Salmonella

Salmonella, which is a bacterium, has been found to be infecting jalapeños in 27 states. It is not every jalapeño, but the CDC’s got specific sources in sight. 

They released a summary of the situation, citing that, “Epidemiologic and traceback data show that jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors are the source of this multistate outbreak.” 

With 345 cases, it has been responsible for 36 people going to the hospital, but fortunately, no deaths. The CDC reports the food in question is brown cage-free shell eggs and white shell eggs purchased in 17 states. 

Some specifics include those that were, “Sold in bulk and retail sizes of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 60 eggs. Sell by or best by dates between July 20, 2026, and August 17, 2026.” 

In addition, those that were “Sold under multiple brand names such as Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Cal-Maine, and Country Morning. Only codes P-1950 or 0840962 with a Julian Date between 157 and 184 printed on the side of the carton are included in the recall.” 

New World Screwworm

The CDC has an additional list for the New World Screwworm outbreak. According to the information they released, “There have been no reported cases afflicting humans in the US,” but “USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported 37 domestically acquired animal cases of NWS [New World Screwworm] in the U.S.”

To get a better grasp of the difference between foodborne illnesses and infectious diseases, they will be separated to tackle them differently.

Measles

As of writing, Measles has “2,465 confirmed measles cases, and 2,449 measles cases were reported by 47 jurisdictions, with 164 being hospitalized and 0 deaths this year,” according to the CDC.