The disputed sample was not part of Taylor Farms’ lettuce recall, according to reporting by The Associated Press. Investigators have not said that the recalled produce caused every reported illness, and they have not established a direct biological connection between the recalled product and all cases under investigation.

The investigation remains active across multiple states and restaurant supply chains. FDA and CDC figures cited by AP show at least 1,645 reported U.S. cyclospora illnesses in 2026, including 141 hospitalizations.

What investigators know

Federal officials remain focused on Taylor Farms lettuce as one possible outbreak source. That focus is part of an ongoing traceback investigation, not a final finding that the company’s lettuce caused the full outbreak.

The investigation changed after a sample from Taylor Farms that was initially reported as positive was later treated as inaccurate. The sample was also outside the company’s lettuce recall. That means the test result cannot be used as proof that the recalled product was contaminated or that it explains all of the illnesses reported in the outbreak.

Officials have not yet resolved the precise contaminated product or the complete path through the supply chain. The available reporting also does not establish a direct biological link between recalled produce and every illness. Those unresolved questions are central to determining whether a specific product, supplier or distribution pathway can be identified.

Why the investigation matters

Cyclospora illnesses can affect consumers in different states even when the suspected food source entered restaurants or stores through a shared supply chain. In this investigation, the involvement of restaurant supply chains means the traceback work extends beyond a single location or individual food-service operation.

The reported illness total and hospitalizations show the public-health stakes of identifying the source. At least 1,645 U.S. illnesses and 141 hospitalizations had been counted in 2026 at the time of AP’s July 27 report. The total may change as health departments receive, confirm or revise reports.

For consumers, retailers and restaurants, the immediate practical question is whether officials identify a product that requires a recall or other warning. Until the source chain is resolved, businesses and the public remain dependent on formal recall guidance and notices from public-health authorities rather than on the disputed test alone.

What happens next

FDA, CDC and state investigators are expected to continue tracing lettuce through the relevant supply chains and comparing illness reports with product information and laboratory findings. The next significant development would be a confirmed source, a new recall or an official consumer warning.

The FDA maintains its public alerts, advisories and safety information page as the official location for current food-safety recalls and outbreak-related notices. The approved reporting packet did not identify a new FDA or CDC outbreak update dated Aug. 7 or Aug. 8, 2026. The strongest available account was AP’s report published July 27.

For now, the investigation points to Taylor Farms lettuce as a possible source, while the inaccurate test result and the absence of a confirmed connection to every illness leave the broader source unresolved.

The development, reported August 5, 2026, broadens a food-safety investigation affecting restaurants, produce suppliers and distributors. The FDA and CDC have not established every affected product or finalized how the contamination occurred, so the lettuce is being described as linked or potentially linked while the inquiry continues.

The investigation has immediate implications for restaurants and food-service businesses that received or served the lettuce, as well as consumers trying to determine whether a meal may have involved a recalled ingredient. Federal officials have not said that all Taylor Farms products or all restaurant lettuce is contaminated.

What federal officials are investigating

The FDA and CDC are investigating illnesses associated with iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily recalled implicated iceberg lettuce as the investigation proceeded.

FDA information released in July identified restaurant-served shredded iceberg lettuce as part of the inquiry. That initial restaurant-linked investigation covered Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, making five states at that stage.

The FDA’s investigation listed illness onset dates ranging from June 22 through July 20, 2026. The later update reported by The Associated Press connected the outbreak to 15 states as of August 5.

AP also reported that an earlier CDC update linked at least 1,645 illnesses and 141 hospitalizations to the outbreak, while federal officials were investigating thousands of additional reports. Those figures were part of an earlier update and do not represent a final count for the investigation.

Why the source remains unsettled

Federal officials are focusing on the recalled lettuce and restaurant distribution, but the investigation has not conclusively established the full contamination pathway. The FDA has characterized the lettuce as linked or potentially linked rather than declaring that it caused every reported illness.

A lettuce sample initially reported as positive was later described by the FDA as a false positive. That finding does not, by itself, resolve the broader epidemiological investigation, which includes illness reports, distribution information and additional evidence being reviewed by officials.

The distinction matters for restaurants, distributors and consumers. A product recall can identify a specific supply concern without showing that every item from a company, every location of a restaurant chain or every serving of lettuce is affected. The available federal information does not establish that Taylor Farms or Taco Bell caused every illness.

What happens next

The recall and federal investigation remain active. Officials still need to determine which products and distribution channels were affected and how the contamination may have occurred.

For the food-service industry, the investigation puts attention on supply-chain records connecting produce suppliers, distributors and restaurants. The FDA’s initial information identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell locations, while the broader update focused on a 15-state outbreak and recalled lettuce from central Mexico.

For the public, the most important verified change is the expansion in the outbreak’s known geographic scope—not a final determination that all restaurant lettuce or all products from the supplier are unsafe. The illness total, the list of affected products and the contamination pathway may change as federal officials continue their work.

The August 3 CDC update linked the outbreak epidemiologically to iceberg lettuce. The FDA says patient interviews, ingredient-level analysis and traceback continue to converge on shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico. But the agency also says a lettuce sample initially reported as positive was later determined to be a false positive, and that no confirmed positive product sample remained as of July 19.

That leaves consumers with a specific recall to check—not a warning against all iceberg lettuce, all Taylor Farms products or all lettuce from Mexico—and regulators with a broader supply-chain question: how should officials act when illness and traceback evidence are strong but laboratory confirmation in a retained product sample is unavailable?

What changed on August 3

The CDC said the investigation is open and involves Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Those are the nine states with outbreak cases; they are not the full list of states where recalled products were distributed.

CDC’s notice separately says it is aware of two cyclosporiasis-related deaths in Michigan involving people with underlying health conditions and that it will update its website to include confirmed deaths. At the same time, the page’s fast-facts block still displays zero deaths. The figures should therefore be attributed precisely: CDC has reported two Michigan deaths as part of the outbreak, while its current case-count block has not yet incorporated them.

How investigators narrowed the source

FDA and CDC investigators found a common exposure pattern among people who reported eating at Taco Bell locations. FDA’s July 17 update said traceback converged on a single supplier, Taylor Farms de Mexico, which provided shredded iceberg lettuce used by Taco Bell locations where sick people ate.

Taylor Farms initiated a recall or market removal on July 17 for iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The action was broader than the original restaurant connection because the lettuce moved through food-service and retail channels. CDC says recalled products were distributed and sold to consumers, restaurants and retailers in at least 27 states. FDA’s distribution list names food-service shipments in 28 states and separately lists select Walmart retail sales in 15 states, while warning that the reach could expand as the investigation continues.

The Taco Bell connection remains specific: reported exposure at Taco Bell locations helped investigators identify a common ingredient. It does not mean that every recalled product was sold by Taco Bell or that every illness in the nine-state investigation came from a single restaurant chain.

Which retail products are included

FDA’s investigation notice identifies Marketside products sold at select Walmart stores: Iceberg Salad in 12-ounce and 24-ounce packages with best-if-used-by dates from July 18, 2026, through August 3, 2026, and Shredded Lettuce in 8-ounce and 16-ounce packages with dates from July 18 through August 3, 2026. The FDA recall notice also lists numerous food-service products, lot information and additional brands.

Consumers should compare the product name, package size, date and other details in the FDA notice. Do not assume that a Walmart purchase, a Taylor Farms label or an iceberg-lettuce ingredient alone is enough to identify a recalled product.

If a package matches the recall, do not eat it or taste it. Discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Wash and sanitize refrigerators, cutting boards, containers and other surfaces that touched the recalled lettuce.

The testing gap

FDA is not describing the recalled lettuce as laboratory-confirmed contaminated. The agency said a sample collected at the border and initially reported as positive did not represent true amplification and was a false positive. As of July 19, FDA said it had no confirmed positive product samples for Cyclospora.

That testing result did not end the investigation or cancel the recall. FDA said the false-positive finding did not change the epidemiological evidence supporting the voluntary recall, and that traceback and outbreak data continued to converge on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms sourced from growers in central Mexico.

The unresolved questions are more specific: investigators have not publicly identified the farm-level source or explained exactly how contamination occurred. They also have not said whether additional products, restaurants, retailers or distribution channels will be added before the investigation closes.

What consumers and businesses should do

Households, restaurants and retailers that purchased or received recalled iceberg lettuce should remove it from use immediately. Businesses should check inventory and supplier records against the product-specific FDA recall notice rather than relying only on a brand or restaurant name.

People with persistent watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping or related symptoms should contact a health-care provider and mention possible Cyclospora exposure, particularly if they ate shredded iceberg lettuce in the two weeks before becoming ill. Routine stool tests do not always screen for Cyclospora, so patients may need to ask about specific testing.

The immediate public-health warning is narrow and practical: follow the listed recall details, discard or return matching products, and clean surfaces they touched. The accountability issue is broader. Fresh produce can move through growers, importers, processors, distributors, restaurants and retailers before an illness pattern is recognized. This investigation shows how officials may need to remove a product based on converging epidemiological and traceback evidence even when a laboratory-confirmed contaminated package is never found.

Sources

• CDC: Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce in 9 states, updated Aug. 3, 2026
• FDA: Investigation of 9-state Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce
• CBS News: Cyclospora outbreak traced to lettuce used by Taco Bell
• Associated Press: Cyclospora outbreak cases linked to four more states

Four people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. The latest reported illness began June 5, 2026. The investigation remains ongoing, and federal agencies have not said that every product supplied by the Chilean company linked to the recall is contaminated.

What changed in the recall

Publix announced the expanded recall on July 29. It covers all lots of:

• GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce packages — UPC 41415-06453
• GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce packages — UPC 41415-12053
• GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce packages — UPC 41415-06753
• GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce packages — UPC 41415-12153

The earlier July 3 recall involved a single 10-ounce blueberry lot, code 60401, also printed as 6 040 01, with a February 9, 2028, best-by date. The later Publix action broadened the recall to all lots of the four listed products.

Consumers should not eat, sell or serve any of the recalled berries. They should throw them away or return them to Publix for a full refund. Consumers should not taste the product to determine whether it is safe.

Where the products were sold

The recalled berries were shipped to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. FDA says the products may have reached additional states, so consumers should check by brand, product and package size rather than relying only on where they bought them.

The reported illnesses are currently limited to Florida and Georgia. FDA and CDC identify the outbreak strain as E. coli O145:H28 and are continuing to investigate the product link and whether additional products could be affected.

What FDA is doing

FDA conducted a remote regulatory assessment of Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., the supplier identified in the investigation. The company is based in San Carlos, Chile.

FDA also added products from the supplier to Import Alert 99-35. Frozen blueberries from the firm offered for entry into the United States may be detained without physical examination while the investigation continues. The alert does not mean that every product from the supplier has been confirmed as contaminated, including products that have not entered the U.S. market.

FDA and state partners are working to determine the source of contamination. The agency says additional products may be added to the advisory as the investigation develops.

What consumers and businesses should do

Check freezers for the four GreenWise products in the listed package sizes, regardless of lot number. If the berries were removed from their original packaging and cannot be identified, FDA advises consumers to discard them.

After handling or discarding the berries, wash and sanitize surfaces, containers and utensils that may have touched them. Businesses, retailers and food-service operators should not sell or serve the recalled products and should remove them from use.

Symptoms and when to seek care

According to the CDC and FDA, E. coli infection can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea may be bloody. Some infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney complication.

Contact a health care provider for bloody diarrhea, diarrhea lasting more than three days or worsening diarrhea, a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, vomiting that prevents drinking liquids, or signs of dehydration such as reduced urination, dry mouth or dizziness when standing. Anyone who ate the recalled berries and develops symptoms should tell a health care provider about the possible exposure.

Sources

• FDA outbreak investigation: Frozen Blueberries
• CDC: E. coli Outbreak Linked to Frozen Blueberries
• Food Safety News: Frozen blueberries recalled, linked to E. coli outbreak

According to state officials, both people had underlying health conditions that may have been worsened by Cyclospora illness and dehydration. The deaths were reported after the Food and Drug Administration’s July 24 outbreak update, which listed zero deaths at that time. The different totals reflect different reporting dates, and the investigation remains ongoing. The deaths should not be interpreted as evidence that Cyclospora is commonly fatal.

Two different counts describe the problem

The FDA’s July 24 investigation focused on a nine-state outbreak involving people who reported Taco Bell exposure: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. At that point, the agency reported 1,947 confirmed illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations, with no deaths reported in that update.

Investigators found that the illnesses converged epidemiologically and through traceback work on recalled shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico by Taylor Farms de Mexico. The FDA said there were no confirmed positive product samples as of July 19. The lettuce connection was based on epidemiologic and traceback evidence, and the investigation continues.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s July 28 surveillance update covered a broader picture: 6,707 laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases, 423 hospitalizations and zero deaths reported nationwide from May 1 through July 27. Those figures cover domestic Cyclospora infections beyond the recalled-lettuce outbreak and included cases reported from 45 states.

The CDC also reported more than 11,500 additional cases that were not laboratory confirmed or still required investigation, with many reported by Michigan and Ohio. The figures are preliminary and may change. CDC estimates that reporting can lag illness by about six weeks, so the national total may continue to rise even after the recall.

What Cyclospora does

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness. Common symptoms include watery diarrhea and frequent bowel movements, along with loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, bloating, gas, nausea and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache and fever can also occur, and some infected people have no symptoms.

Symptoms often begin about a week after exposure, but timing can vary. The illness may last for weeks or longer, and symptoms can improve and then return. Untreated illness can cause dehydration and complications that require medical care.

Seek medical attention for diarrhea lasting more than three days, diarrhea that returns after improving, or signs of dehydration such as very little urination, dizziness, unusual weakness, dry mouth or an inability to keep fluids down. Children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems and people with other conditions that make fluid loss more dangerous should contact a health care provider promptly if symptoms develop.

Tell the clinician about recent shredded-lettuce or restaurant exposure. Cyclospora may require a specific stool test, and health departments may need additional information or specimens to confirm and investigate a case.

What consumers should do with recalled lettuce

Consumers should check the FDA recall notice before eating or serving affected shredded iceberg lettuce. Recalled retail products included certain Walmart Marketside packages: 12- and 24-ounce Iceberg Salad products with best-if-used-by dates from July 18 through August 3, 2026, and 8- and 16-ounce Shredded Lettuce products with dates from July 18 through August 3, 2026. The recall also covered other products distributed to food-service customers.

The FDA identified confirmed product distribution across multiple states, and additional distribution may have occurred. Not all iceberg lettuce, all Taco Bell food or all restaurant locations are implicated. Check the specific recall information rather than relying only on the store, restaurant or brand name.

Do not try to wash or salvage recalled lettuce. Discard it, then clean and sanitize refrigerators, counters, containers and other surfaces it touched. Seek a refund where applicable. Taco Bell said it stopped using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico as of July 17, 2026, but that statement does not mean every Taco Bell product or location was involved.

Why washing produce is not a guarantee

Cyclospora spreads when food or water is contaminated with human fecal matter. Direct person-to-person spread is considered unlikely because the parasite generally needs time outside the body before it becomes infectious.

Rinsing fresh produce under running water can reduce some contamination, but it is not a guarantee against Cyclospora. Do not wash produce with soap or bleach. For recalled food, disposal is the key safety step.

Testing and treatment

Doctors can treat cyclosporiasis with prescription medication, commonly trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. A clinician should determine whether testing and treatment are appropriate, especially for people who are dehydrated, have prolonged or relapsing diarrhea, or have conditions that increase the risk of complications.

The FDA, CDC and state health departments are continuing to investigate the outbreak. Official counts may change as delayed reports are reviewed, probable cases are separated from laboratory-confirmed cases and additional testing is completed.

Sources

• FDA outbreak investigation and recall guidance
• CDC national cyclosporiasis surveillance
• Associated Press report on Michigan deaths

NCHS reported 3,094,593 deaths among U.S. residents in 2025. The provisional age-adjusted death rate was 689.2 deaths per 100,000 people, down 4.6% from 722.1 in 2024 and the lowest recorded U.S. rate in the report.

Why the rate fell while deaths increased

The two measures answer different questions. The raw death count is the number of deaths recorded. It rose from 3,072,666 in 2024 to 3,094,593 in 2025.

The age-adjusted rate is designed to make mortality comparisons more meaningful when the population’s age structure changes. Because older adults generally face higher mortality risks, the number of deaths can rise as the population grows or ages even when the age-adjusted rate declines.

That means the record-low adjusted rate does not show that fewer Americans died overall, and it is not proof that every health outcome improved.

Rates declined across age groups and sexes

Provisional death rates declined for every age group and for both males and females. The rate remained higher for males: 811.1 deaths per 100,000, compared with 582.9 for females.

Older adults continued to have the highest mortality rates. The highest reported age-adjusted rate among the racial and ethnic groups listed by NCHS was 869.0 deaths per 100,000 among Black non-Hispanic people.

NCHS reported that rates increased for American Indian and Alaska Native people and for Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander people. The rate did not change significantly for Asian people and declined for several other groups. The agency cautioned that changes in population denominators can disproportionately affect rates for smaller racial and ethnic populations, so those comparisons require care.

Heart disease and cancer deaths rose in raw numbers

Heart disease, cancer and unintentional injuries remained the three leading causes of death. Raw deaths attributed to heart disease increased to 694,708 in 2025 from 683,491 in 2024. Cancer deaths rose to 622,832 from 619,876.

Those increases do not contradict the lower overall age-adjusted rate. Cause-specific counts can rise as the population grows or ages, while an age-adjusted national rate falls. The provisional report describes the changes but does not establish a single cause for them.

Unintentional-injury figures require additional caution because those deaths are subject to a greater reporting lag and may increase in final data.

What could change

The CDC report remains provisional, not final. It was based on 99.9% of 2025 death records received and processed as of May 10, 2026. Late records, updated cause-of-death information and revised population estimates can change the totals and rates.

Readers tracking revisions should watch the CDC/NCHS mortality dashboard and later final mortality releases. The current takeaway is mixed: the nation’s age-adjusted mortality rate reached a historic low in 2025, while the number of recorded deaths—and the raw counts for heart disease and cancer—still increased.

Sources

• CDC/NCHS mortality report for 2025
• JAMA coverage of the 2025 mortality data

In an update dated July 31, 2026, the CDC said no Ebola cases associated with the outbreak had been reported in the United States. It said the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains low, while noting that an imported case could have serious consequences.

The federal response is intended to reduce the chance that an infected traveler enters the country and to identify a possible case quickly. The CDC says the likelihood of Ebola spreading to the United States is very low. If a case were identified, the risk of wider spread would also be low because of U.S. public-health and infection-control capacity.

What measures remain in place

On May 18, the CDC, the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies implemented public-health entry screening, targeted entry restrictions and related measures.

The CDC says an order issued July 13 continued the suspension of entry for specified foreign nationals for a stated period of 30 days. That measure is not a universal travel ban. Separately, CDC traveler-management guidance covers people arriving from or transiting through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and neighboring South Sudan.

Federal public-health staff conduct an initial assessment of some air passengers who arrive from or transit through those countries and are redirected to a U.S. airport designated for public-health entry screening. Health departments receive traveler information, provide health education and determine whether additional assessment or monitoring is appropriate.

What the 21-day period means

The monitoring period lasts 21 days after a traveler leaves an affected country or area of concern. It is not an automatic quarantine for every traveler.

Follow-up depends on the person’s location, activities and potential exposure. Travelers who were in an area of concern without a high-risk exposure are advised to self-monitor, including taking their temperature daily, and to notify their health department if symptoms develop. People who had situations with exposure potential may receive regular health-department monitoring during the 21-day period.

Travelers who were in an affected country but outside an area of concern, including those who only transited through an airport, generally receive an initial assessment and may receive an additional check-in. CDC’s guidance lists no movement restrictions for asymptomatic travelers without high-risk exposures, although it advises travelers to coordinate with health departments before leaving their jurisdiction and to reconsider international or cruise travel during the monitoring period.

What returning travelers should do

Anyone who develops symptoms compatible with Bundibugyo virus disease within 21 days of leaving an affected area should separate from others, avoid travel and contact the relevant health department or health-care provider for instructions. Before going to a medical facility, the person should call ahead and disclose the recent travel.

Recent travel alone does not establish Ebola infection. CDC guidance says testing decisions should consider symptoms together with the person’s travel history, activities and possible exposure to infected people, body fluids, health-care settings, funerals, wildlife or other risk factors.

What clinicians and health departments are expected to do

Clinicians should ask about recent international travel and exposure history when evaluating a patient with compatible symptoms. If Bundibugyo virus disease is suspected, CDC advises placing the patient in isolation at the presenting facility, using recommended infection-control precautions and contacting the appropriate health department immediately.

Health departments coordinate patient assessment, specimen collection and testing with the clinical team and CDC. They also help determine whether a patient needs evaluation at a facility equipped to manage a suspected viral hemorrhagic fever and coordinate transportation and infection-control precautions when necessary.

Bundibugyo virus disease is a type of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus. It is different from the Ebola virus species targeted by the U.S.-licensed ERVEBO vaccine. CDC guidance says no vaccine or specific treatment has been approved for Bundibugyo virus disease, although early supportive care can improve the chance of survival.

For most people in the United States, the practical message remains that the current risk is low. The continuing screening and monitoring measures show that the federal response is still active because preventing an imported case and detecting one quickly are central to keeping that risk low.

Sources

• CDC: Interim Traveler Management Guidance

As of noon Thursday, July 30, the CDC had received reports of 2,371 confirmed measles cases in 2026. That compares with 2,289 confirmed cases reported during the full year of 2025. The 2026 figure is preliminary, reflects only cases notified to the CDC by the cutoff, and is not a final total for the year.

The milestone comes as summer travel continues and schools prepare to reopen. The immediate risk is not uniform nationwide: the CDC says overall risk to the general population remains low, but exposure risk is higher in communities with active outbreaks or lower vaccination coverage.

What the CDC numbers show

Of the 2,371 cases reported this year, 2,355 came from 45 jurisdictions and 16 were reported among international visitors to the United States.

The CDC also reported 37 new outbreaks in 2026. The agency said 2,219 cases, or 94% of the national total, were outbreak-associated. That includes 846 cases linked to outbreaks that began in 2026 and 1,373 cases linked to outbreaks that began in 2025.

The CDC defines a measles outbreak as three or more related cases. States and local health departments may show newer or different totals because they update on different schedules. The CDC’s national page includes confirmed cases notified to the agency as of noon each Thursday; it does not include every probable case being handled by jurisdictions.

Spread is concentrated in some communities

Associated Press reporting identified major ongoing outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona. AP also reported that official counts may understate the true spread because some people do not seek medical care, are not tested or are not fully captured by public-health investigations.

Those state reports and expert estimates should not be confused with the CDC’s confirmed national count. Confirmed-case surveillance measures known disease activity, but it cannot provide a complete count of every infection. The CDC’s published total may also change as jurisdictions submit additional information or revise case classifications.

Vaccination coverage remains below the community-protection level

National kindergarten MMR coverage fell from 95.2% during the 2019–20 school year to 92.5% during the 2024–25 school year, according to the CDC. The agency estimated that about 286,000 kindergartners were at risk during the 2024–25 school year.

The CDC says communities generally need coverage above about 95% for most people to be protected through community immunity. Local rates can be substantially lower than the national average, allowing measles to spread more quickly after an imported case or exposure during travel.

Lower coverage does not mean every community faces the same immediate danger. The CDC says risk is higher where outbreaks are active or where pockets of unvaccinated people exist.

What wastewater monitoring can show

The CDC’s measles wastewater page, updated July 31, says monitoring can detect measles virus in community samples, including virus shed by people who do not have symptoms. It may provide an earlier community-level signal than clinical testing and is used alongside case reports and other public-health information.

A wastewater detection does not prove that a particular person has measles or establish that confirmed clinical cases exist at a specific site. The CDC says detections can help health departments investigate possible symptoms or diagnoses, alert health care providers, increase public outreach or offer vaccination clinics.

What families and travelers should do

Parents should check children’s immunization records before the 2026–27 school year and ask a health care professional about catch-up vaccination if records are incomplete. People planning international travel should review measles vaccination guidance before leaving the country.

Measles commonly begins with fever, cough, a runny nose and pink eye, followed by a rash that often starts on the face and spreads downward. Anyone with suspected measles or a known exposure should call a health care provider or health department before going to a clinic, school or emergency department.

Calling ahead allows health workers to reduce exposure to other patients and staff. Under medical and public-health guidance, some people without evidence of immunity may qualify for post-exposure protection, including MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure or immune globulin within six days.

Sources

• CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks
• Associated Press: 2026 U.S. measles case count tops last year's

The infection was reported in Congo, not the United States. In its July 17, 2026, situation summary, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said no cases associated with the outbreak had been confirmed in the United States and that the overall risk to the American public and travelers remained low.

The CDC was coordinating with the person’s employer, U.S. agencies, Congolese public-health authorities and other partners to prevent further transmission and identify close contacts, according to the Associated Press. The outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus, a type of Ebola virus distinct from the species involved in some earlier outbreaks.

Why CDC says the U.S. risk remains low

Federal health officials distinguish between the likelihood of an Ebola case arriving in the United States and the potential consequences if infection occurs. The CDC’s June 11 risk assessment rated the risk to the U.S. population as low over the following three months. Its current situation page says the likelihood of importation and sustained spread in the United States remains very low.

That assessment does not mean the disease would have limited consequences. The CDC says the potential impact of infection is high, while also pointing to U.S. public-health, hospital and infection-control systems that are intended to help contain transmission if a case is identified. The agency also says there is no approved vaccine or medication specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease.

What happens to travelers from affected countries

CDC guidance covers travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Federal staff may conduct an initial assessment at designated U.S. airports, while state, tribal, local and territorial health departments may contact travelers after arrival to review travel history, provide health education and determine whether additional monitoring is needed.

People who were in an area of concern are advised to self-monitor, including taking their temperature daily, and notify public-health officials if symptoms develop within 21 days after leaving that area. People with possible occupational or other high-risk exposure may receive more frequent health-department monitoring.

The guidance does not call for automatic quarantine of every traveler. It lists different steps for high-risk exposures, possible exposure situations, travel in an affected country without known exposure and airport transit.

What the July 13 entry order does

A CDC order issued July 13, 2026, continued a time-limited suspension of entry for specified foreign nationals who had recently been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan. The order was set to remain in effect for 30 days. It is a defined restriction covering specified categories of people, not a permanent or blanket travel ban applying to every traveler.

What U.S. hospitals are expected to do

If a recently arrived traveler develops compatible symptoms, CDC guidance calls for advance coordination rather than an unannounced visit to a clinic or emergency department. Health officials are expected to assess the person’s exposure history, consult with the CDC when needed, and coordinate with emergency medical services and an appropriate healthcare facility before transport or evaluation.

For most people in the United States, the current risk remains low. The developments to watch are any confirmed U.S. case, evidence of spread into major international travel hubs, changes in the outbreak’s severity or transmissibility, and further updates to the July 13 entry order.

Sources

• CDC Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation
• Associated Press Ebola Report

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update published July 24 said 2,318 confirmed cases had been reported as of July 23. That compares with 2,289 confirmed cases for the full year of 2025.

The 2026 figure is preliminary and can change as jurisdictions update their records. Still, the increase is a significant public-health warning because measles is highly contagious and can spread quickly in communities where vaccination coverage is below the level needed for broad protection.

Outbreaks are driving most reported cases

CDC counted 35 new measles outbreaks in 2026. The agency said 93% of confirmed 2026 cases were associated with outbreaks, including outbreaks that began in 2025 and continued into this year.

Associated Press reporting identified major outbreak activity in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona, along with smaller clusters in other states. The national count does not mean every community faces the same level of risk. Local conditions, travel-related introductions and vaccination coverage vary widely.

Why the official count may be a floor

CDC’s national total includes confirmed cases reported by state, local, tribal and territorial health departments. The agency says it is aware of probable cases reported by jurisdictions, but those cases are not included until confirmed and notified to CDC.

That means the reported number is best understood as a documented minimum rather than a complete count of every infection. Some people may not seek medical care, may not be tested or may not be connected to public-health reporting. Hospitalization figures also cannot provide a complete measure of infections because not every person with measles is hospitalized.

What wastewater monitoring can add

CDC uses wastewater monitoring as a supplemental community-level signal. The CDC wastewater program is updated each Friday with data from the previous week and can detect measles virus from infected people, including some who have not sought clinical care.

A wastewater detection does not equal a confirmed case or prove that active transmission is occurring at a specific site. It indicates that people who currently have or recently had measles may be present in the community. CDC also cautions that infections can exist even when no measles is detected in wastewater.

Who faces the greatest concern

CDC identifies children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems as groups more likely to experience complications. Serious complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, according to CDC health guidance.

For families and adults, CDC vaccination guidance recommends two MMR vaccine doses for children, generally at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years. Adults should have at least one documented dose, while some higher-risk adults need two. Anyone who may have been exposed or develops a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes or a spreading rash should call a health-care provider promptly before arriving at a clinic.

CDC says MMR coverage among U.S. kindergartners fell from 95.2% in the 2019-20 school year to 92.5% in 2024-25. That is below the roughly 95% level associated with community protection. Health officials will continue watching confirmed cases, new outbreaks, vaccination coverage and wastewater trends, with an international review of U.S. measles-elimination status expected in November.

Sources

• Associated Press measles report
• CDC Measles Vaccination Guidance

The committee says the vote was originally scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2026, but reporting from major outlets indicates the delay happened because too few senators were present, with HELP Chair Sen. Bill Cassidy saying a family emergency affected the number of Republicans needed to vote yes. The next committee step is expected to come next week.

What HELP originally planned for July 23

• Agenda item: nomination of Erica Schwartz to be Director of the CDC
• Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
• Time: 11:45 a.m. ET / 10:45 a.m. CT
• Location: the vestibule off the floor, also known as “The Lobby”
• Press: closed to the press (vote held in the Senate Lobby)
• Results timing: vote totals were expected “shortly after”

What changed—and what senators’ presence means

Instead of completing the executive-session vote on July 23, HELP postponed the step needed to determine whether the nomination moves forward from the committee to full Senate consideration.

According to AP and STAT, the committee planned to take up the Schwartz nomination next week after the July 23 vote was delayed because not enough senators showed up—a dynamic HELP leadership linked to Cassidy’s discussion of a family emergency affecting attendance. Axios also framed the delay as part of broader nomination bottlenecks and said HELP is expected to try again next week.

Procedural timeline (what’s done vs. what’s pending)

Why this committee delay matters for public-health leadership

Even after hearings are completed, a CDC director nomination still has to clear committee executive-session action before it can advance. Until HELP completes that step, top leadership at the CDC remains tied to the confirmation process rather than the steadier footing that comes once the Senate has moved the nomination along.

What to watch next week

• HELP’s updated scheduling: whether the Schwartz executive-session vote is re-set on the committee calendar.
• Whether HELP forwards the nomination: the key decision that determines the earliest possible window for full-Senate action.
• Any follow-on nomination housekeeping: Axios and STAT’s reporting suggest multiple health-appointment votes were affected around the same period, so agenda changes could shape timing.

Sources

• HELP nomination record (Schwartz: hearings held)
• Associated Press (delay reason; next-week expectation)

At the same time, CDC’s guidance continues to emphasize a practical message for caregivers: powdered infant formula is not sterile, and preparation/storage choices matter—particularly for higher-risk babies.

What changed on July 13: FDA’s letter to the industry

In a July 13 constituent update, FDA said it asked infant formula makers to increase vigilance and strengthen how they manage risk that could enter through the supply chain. FDA framed the expectation in “know your suppliers” terms—understanding where ingredients come from, how they’re produced, and whether supplier-related risks are effectively controlled.

FDA says the work is shifting from response to prevention

FDA’s separate post-outbreak response page says the agency has moved beyond initial outbreak response into post-response prevention activities. Those actions include ongoing root-cause work, continued surveillance/sampling, and steps meant to reduce the chance of similar problems recurring. FDA also notes that investigations connected to multiple inquiries are ongoing, and that the agency is still working to understand contributing factors.

What infant botulism is—and why timing matters

CDC describes infant botulism as a rare but serious illness that can happen when an infant swallows Clostridium botulinum spores. In the gut, the spores can lead to production of botulinum neurotoxin, which can interfere with normal body functions.

CDC emphasizes that clinical suspicion matters: treatment should not wait for lab confirmation when a clinician suspects infant botulism.

Early symptoms caregivers may notice can include:

• Constipation
• Poor feeding or reduced appetite
• Drooping eyelids and/or weak facial expression
• Weak suck and/or diminished reflexes (like gagging)
• Changes in cry (weak or altered)
• Breathing problems or respiratory pauses

If you notice concerning symptoms—especially in a very young infant—seek urgent medical care and tell clinicians you’re concerned about possible infant botulism.

Powdered formula prep: CDC’s safer steps for caregivers

CDC warns that powdered infant formula is not sterile. CDC provides preparation and storage guidance for all caregivers using powdered formula, with extra precautions for babies at higher risk.

CDC’s core approach includes:

• Boil water, then follow CDC’s guidance on how long to cool it before mixing.
• Mix the powder with water at the temperature/time CDC recommends to help prevent burns and support safer preparation.
• Check feeding temperature before giving formula and follow manufacturer instructions for handling and storage.

Important: CDC’s preparation guidance is designed to reduce risk from germs that may be present in powdered formula. It is not a guarantee against infant botulism, which is why symptom awareness and urgent care still matter.

Extra precautions for younger, premature, or immunocompromised infants

CDC says caregivers should take additional care when preparing powdered formula for babies who are younger than 2 months, were born prematurely (before 37 weeks), or have a weakened immune system. CDC’s added emphasis focuses on careful water handling and ensuring the formula is prepared at the temperature CDC recommends before feeding.

If water safety is an issue

CDC also addresses situations where tap water may be unsafe. In those cases, CDC advises using safer alternatives (such as bottled or ready-to-feed options) until local authorities confirm water is safe, and following public health directions.

What to watch next

FDA says it will continue updating its post-outbreak information as prevention and surveillance activities progress. For families, the practical takeaway is twofold: know the red flags for infant botulism and get urgent care if symptoms appear, and follow CDC’s powdered-formula preparation guidance—especially for the youngest, premature, or medically vulnerable infants.

Sources

• FDA: Post-response prevention actions (powdered infant formula–associated botulism investigations)
• CDC: Infant botulism clinical overview (treatment should not wait for lab confirmation)

The order takes effect at 5:00 p.m. EDT on July 13, 2026 and remains in effect through 4:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The related Federal Register notice opens a written comment period due July 31, 2026.

What changed in the July 13, 2026 update

CDC says the July 13 order continues the suspension for 30 days while it carries out an ongoing public health risk assessment tied to the Ebola outbreak it describes as involving the Bundibugyo virus strain confirmed in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The rule is time-limited and is issued under CDC’s quarantine/foreign-entry authority.

Who the order targets (the “covered” connection)

CDC’s order applies to “covered aliens,” including lawful permanent residents, whose connection to the affected areas is based on where they were during a defined exposure window:

• People who departed from or were otherwise present within DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan during the last 21 days.
• This applies regardless of country of origin.

Key exemptions in the order

The order says it does not apply to several categories, including:

• U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals.
• Members of the armed forces of the United States and associated personnel, plus U.S. government personnel serving overseas (and their spouses and children), subject to required assurances.
• People the customs officers determine (with supervisory approval) should be excepted based on the totality of the circumstances, including law enforcement, officer/public safety, humanitarian, and public health interests (with standards coordinated between DHS and CDC).
• People who would otherwise be subject to the order but are permitted to enter based on an exception provisionally granted by CDC, with confirmation based on a public health assessment at time of entry under a DHS-approved process documented and shared with CDC (including mitigation protocols).

The order also notes that the CDC Director may except additional categories consistent with the cited legal framework.

Air-travel timing: when the suspension applies

For air travel, CDC states the order applies to flights departing after 4:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, July 13, 2026.

Public comments: what comes next

The Federal Register notice for this action lists Written comments due July 31, 2026 under Docket No. CDC–2026–0892. CDC also states the order may be amended or rescinded prior to the August 12 cutoff at the discretion of the Director—after considering the risk assessment and public input.

Practical takeaway: If you (or someone traveling with you) had recent travel or presence in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days, this order may affect whether certain people can be introduced into the U.S. during the covered window—so check whether an exemption category could apply and monitor CDC updates after the July 31 comment deadline.

Sources

• CDC Port Health legal authorities page (EVD / Title 42-style Ebola order update, July 13, 2026)
• Federal Register notice (GovInfo PDF), published July 16, 2026 — includes effective window and comment deadline
• 42 CFR 71.37 (Federal order content and procedural requirements)

Below is what changed in this latest FDA/CDC update, who’s affected based on investigators’ case interviews, and what to do next.

Quick facts from the July 16 FDA/CDC update

• States included: IN, KY, MI, OH, WV
• Reported exposure/infections: 1,644 people who reported eating at Taco Bell
• Hospitalizations: 94
• Deaths reported: none
• Implicated food: shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell

Important nuance: FDA says not all Taco Bell locations in those states received the implicated product.

What’s new in the update: traceback narrowed to one Mexico supplier

FDA says its traceback work has converged on a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by the Taco Bell locations where sick people ate before they got ill.

FDA also reports it is working directly with that supplier and that state partners have begun collecting product samples for testing and analysis. The agency adds that it has increased border screening for products implicated in the outbreak. FDA says Taco Bell has committed to stop using lettuce from the identified supplier.

CDC lists the outbreak as open and says no recall has been issued in its current advisory.

What’s known vs. still under investigation

• Known: The cases in this advisory are a subset of Cyclospora illnesses nationwide and are linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in the five listed states.
• Still being investigated: FDA says additional implicated brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels may be identified as testing and traceback continue.
• Counts can shift: FDA notes case counts may differ from how individual states report probable vs. confirmed cases, and numbers can update as confirmed cases are added.

Symptoms to watch for (and when to seek care)

CDC says primary cyclosporiasis symptoms can include watery diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Symptoms usually begin about one week after infection, but CDC says timing can range from 2 days to 2 weeks or more.

CDC also warns that people who are sick may need to specifically request Cyclospora testing, because routine stool tests don’t always screen for the parasite. If symptoms develop, CDC recommends staying well hydrated and contacting a healthcare provider—especially if you ate the implicated lettuce in the two weeks before you got sick.

If you ate or handled the implicated lettuce: practical next steps

FDA advises consumers who purchased or received food items with shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell at these locations to carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the food touched, following FDA safe-handling and cleaning guidance.

What to watch next

With traceback narrowed to one supplier, the next updates that matter most for consumers are whether investigators confirm the contaminated product’s distribution beyond the currently named states, and how case counts change as interviews and testing continue.

Sources

• FDA: Investigation update for 5-state Cyclospora illnesses linked to iceberg lettuce (July 2026)
• CDC: Cyclospora outbreak page (07-26) tied to Taco Bell in multiple states
• Associated Press: Report on Cyclospora investigation and FDA/CDC response

That testing emphasis matters because AFM can be clinically and radiographically indistinguishable from paralytic poliomyelitis. “Lower AFM incidence” does not mean polio can be ignored during AFM-like evaluations.

What CDC found in its AFM surveillance update

CDC reports 172 confirmed AFM cases across the surveillance period, including:

• 2020: 34
• 2021: 29
• 2022: 48
• 2023: 19
• 2024: 25
• 2025: 17

CDC also contrasts this with earlier U.S. peaks—linked to enterovirus circulation in 2014, 2016, and 2018—when AFM counts were higher at 120–238 cases per year. In plain terms: the 2020–2025 period was “lower” than those peak years.

Why “low AFM” still requires polio testing

AFM is part of a broader clinical syndrome called acute flaccid paralysis. In CDC’s report, the key public-health point is straightforward: if symptoms and imaging suggest AFM, the workup still has to rule out paralytic polio.

In the 2020–2025 period, CDC reports that:

• Approximately one half of AFM patients had stool specimens tested for poliovirus.
• 75%–100% of AFM patients had received at least 3 polio vaccine doses.
• In 2022, one poliomyelitis case in New York was identified through poliovirus testing of stool specimens collected during AFM surveillance.

CDC’s takeaway for clinicians and health departments is that AFM-like cases should trigger stool collection and poliovirus testing to avoid diagnostic misses.

What clinicians and public health agencies should do

CDC emphasizes a practical workflow:

• Ensure stool samples are collected from people with an acute onset of flaccid weakness or paralysis when AFM is suspected.
• Report cases to local health departments so AFM and polio surveillance can be completed.

In CDC’s surveillance framework, if a stool specimen tested for poliovirus is positive, that patient would be classified as a confirmed paralytic poliomyelitis case rather than AFM—underscoring why the testing step is essential.

What families should take away

If someone—especially a child—develops sudden weakness or flaccid paralysis, the message is not to wait. Seek urgent medical evaluation, because part of the medical evaluation for AFM-like presentations may include stool testing to rule out serious causes such as poliovirus.

CDC also notes that staying up to date with polio vaccination remains important for long-term protection against paralytic polio.

What to watch next

CDC will continue AFM surveillance updates. For clinicians and families, the steady “watch next” takeaway is the same: if AFM-like symptoms appear, health systems should not skip stool collection and poliovirus testing just because confirmed AFM counts were lower in 2020–2025.

Sources

• CDC MMWR (July 9, 2026): Acute Flaccid Myelitis Surveillance — United States, January 2020–December 2025

The key warning: in these investigations, cases were identified after travelers returned home, and in one outbreak the cluster was recognized only after a report from a member of the public. CDC says those timing and communication gaps can leave other potentially exposed travelers without early notice.

What CDC found

CDC reports that investigators followed up on confirmed Legionnaires’ disease cases tied to two different hotels on St. Croix Island. CDC describes the two hotel outbreaks as unrelated—but the report focuses on what went wrong operationally, not on blaming a single source. In one case, a patient was hospitalized in their U.S. state of residence after returning from travel.

CDC also highlights that the outbreak at one hotel was detected solely through a report from a member of the public. That matters because, unlike a proactive notification to public health, public-report-driven detection can arrive later—after additional exposures may have already happened.

Why the detection delay matters

When people develop pneumonia-like illness days after travel, the chain that connects “symptoms” to “exposure location” can break. CDC notes that many travel-associated cases may be missed among travelers who return home before symptoms develop, and that delays in case identification and underreporting can slow the overall public-health response.

What CDC says should change

CDC frames “what’s changed” as an operational shift: public health and facilities need faster coordination and reporting when travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease cases emerge. In particular, CDC emphasizes the importance of:

• Notifying guests so additional cases can be found during hotel outbreaks.
• Including the destination/hotel information when reporting travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease cases to CDC—supporting multijurisdiction coordination to identify sources sooner.

For hotels and other facilities, the MMWR also points to the need for effective water-management programs and appropriate disinfection/testing to prevent Legionella growth in building water systems.

Practical takeaways for travelers

If you stayed at a hotel in the U.S. Virgin Islands (or elsewhere) and develop cough, fever, or shortness of breath after travel, the MMWR’s message is straightforward: tell your health care provider about your recent travel and where you stayed, so clinicians can consider travel-associated exposure in context and pursue timely testing.

And when you’re booking, you can ask hotels about their Legionella water-management practices—because the CDC’s theme here is that prevention and rapid communication have to work together, before outbreaks are recognized.

Bottom line: CDC’s report shows how Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks can be “missed” when detection happens after guests return home and when information arrives late—reminding travelers and facilities that timing and reporting are part of public health, not just clinical care.

Sources

• CDC MMWR (July 2, 2026): “Legionellosis Outbreaks Associated with Two Hotels — U.S. Virgin Islands, October 2024–April 2025”

Officials say the leading food item of interest identified through interviews was frozen GreenWise-brand organic blueberries sold at Publix—and the recall parameters are specific to one product lot.

What’s being recalled (check your freezer tonight)

The FDA recall covers Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries in 10-ounce packages. Check for these exact identifiers:

• Lot code: 60401
• Best By date: February 9, 2028

FDA says no other lot codes or Best By dates are affected.

Outbreak status (as of July 6)

CDC reports 12 illnesses, including 4 hospitalizations, with 0 deaths. Cases have been reported in Florida and Georgia. The investigation remains ongoing (CDC lists investigation status as open).

Why E. coli O145:H28 is a medical concern

E. coli O145 infections can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, including stomach cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and vomiting. In some cases—especially for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems—serious complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) are possible.

Know the warning signs: when to get medical care

CDC says to contact a healthcare provider right away if a person who ate the recalled berries develops severe symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea plus a fever higher than 102°F
• Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• So much vomiting that the person cannot keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration, such as: not peeing much, dry mouth/throat, or feeling dizzy when standing up

What to do now at home

If you have the recalled product:

• Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.
• Clean and sanitize anything that may have touched the berries—CDC specifically advises washing items and surfaces with hot soapy water or using a dishwasher.
• If you froze GreenWise berries without the original packaging and you can’t confirm the lot/best-by details, CDC/FDA advise treating it as unsafe and throwing it away.

What to watch next

FDA notes the investigation is ongoing and that additional products may be added to public guidance as more information becomes available. For now, the immediate, freezer-check action is the same: confirm lot 60401 and the Feb. 9, 2028 Best By date—and don’t eat the recalled berries.

Sources

• FDA Outbreak Investigation: E. coli (Frozen Blueberries) — content current as of 07/06/2026
• CDC Food Safety Alert: E. coli Outbreak Linked to Frozen Blueberries (Food safety alert dated 07/06/2026)
• WUSF (Health News Florida): E. coli outbreak linked to frozen organic blueberries sold at Publix triggers recall (reported 2026-07-06)

What changed (and what didn’t)

The Federal Register notice says this is a continuation of an order issued June 21, 2026—so the core policy structure is the same, but the clock runs through July 21. CDC also says the order may be amended or rescinded before that end time at the discretion of the Director.

What CDC’s order does in plain English

CDC’s order is built around an authority to suspend the “right to introduce” certain people into the United States when CDC determines there is serious danger posed by a quarantinable communicable disease. In this order, CDC frames the action as limiting introduction of Ebola disease while it continues assessing the outbreak conditions.

Who is in scope: the “last 21 days” rule and named countries

The order applies to “covered aliens” who have departed from, or were otherwise present within, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan during the last 21 days—regardless of their country of origin. CDC also states the scope includes lawful permanent residents, subject to the exceptions described in the order.

Who is not covered (CDC’s stated exceptions)

CDC says the order does not apply to these categories:

• U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals.
• Members of the armed forces of the United States and associated personnel, plus U.S. government personnel serving overseas (and associated personnel), and their spouses and children, subject to required assurances.
• Persons whom customs officers determine, with approval from a supervisor, should be excepted based on the totality of the circumstances, including consideration of significant law enforcement, officer and public safety, humanitarian, and public health interests. (The order says DHS will consult with CDC regarding standards for such exceptions.)
• Persons who would otherwise be subject to the order but are permitted to enter based on an exception provisionally granted by CDC—with confirmation based on a public health assessment at the time of entry under a DHS-approved process documented and shared with CDC, including appropriate public health mitigation.

Why this is getting “Title 42-style” attention

CDC does not describe this order as “Title 42,” but it uses a similar border-entry restriction mechanism: instead of general travel advice, this is an entry-focused suspension tied to the outbreak and implemented through federal screening and port-health processes at the border.

Timeline to watch (next steps for accountability)

• Effective start: June 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EDT.
• Current end time: 4:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
• Comment deadline: July 10, 2026 (comments must be received on or before that date).

What readers should do now

• If you or someone you’re helping has had recent presence in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the prior 21 days, read the order’s scope and exceptions carefully—because CDC says the rules depend on that specific window and category definitions.
• If you want to weigh in, use Docket No. CDC–2026–0892 before July 10, 2026. The order is already in effect, but the record matters for how CDC explains, amends, or rescinds the policy before July 21.

Sources

• Federal Register notice (June 25, 2026) — Docket CDC–2026–0892
• CDC continuing order (June 21, 2026) — Title42Order_21June26_final.pdf

That also makes this a national watch item. The CDC said on July 1 that it had received reports of 145 cases acquired in the United States across 17 states from May 1 through June 16. The agency said there is no evidence yet of a single multistate outbreak linking all of the cases.

What cyclosporiasis is

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. People can get sick after eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. Symptoms often include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and fever. Illness may start about a week after exposure, but the timing can vary.

Health officials say the illness is usually treated with antibiotics and fluids. Dehydration is the main concern for many patients, especially young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Why investigators have not pinned down the source

Foodborne outbreaks can take time to trace. Produce moves through many hands, contamination may be uneven, and people often do not remember every item they ate days before symptoms began. That is why public health officials are warning people not to assume one specific item is responsible until investigators confirm it.

Michigan officials said the largest increases are in southeast Michigan, with case totals highest in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland, and Livingston counties. WCMU reported that Shiawassee County had seven confirmed cases as of July 2, adding local context to the broader state picture.

What readers should do now

Officials are urging basic food-safety steps: wash fresh produce under clean running water, cook foods when possible, refrigerate cut or peeled produce quickly, and follow any state or local health alerts. If you develop sudden and ongoing diarrhea, especially after eating fresh produce, contact a health care provider and your local health department.

The key next development is whether investigators identify a common source or issue a targeted warning. Until then, this remains an active, unresolved outbreak with a clear Michigan center and a wider national footprint.

Sources

• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, July 4 cyclosporiasis update
• CDC Surveillance of Cyclosporiasis
• WCMU Public Media report on Shiawassee County cases
• NBC Chicago report on the U.S. cyclosporiasis surge

As of July 2, CDC said 2,170 confirmed measles cases had been reported in the U.S. in 2026, with 31 outbreaks and 93% of cases linked to outbreaks. The agency says 2025-26 counts are preliminary and can change as new reports come in.

What the wastewater signal does and does not mean

CDC says wastewater monitoring helps gauge measles risk at a community level. It is not a case count: a detection means wild-type measles virus may be present in a community, including from people who live, work, or travel through the area. CDC also says the signal can detect virus earlier than clinical testing in some situations.

The agency says the overall outbreak risk to the general population is low, but importations and outbreaks are more likely where vaccination rates are lower.

Why officials are still watching closely

CDC says national MMR coverage among kindergarteners fell from 95.2% in the 2019-20 school year to 92.5% in 2024-25, leaving about 286,000 kindergartners at risk. The agency also says measles often spreads during high-travel periods such as summer.

AAP News reported June 26 that this year’s case count had reached 93% of last year’s total, with about 93% of patients unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination status. AP separately reported that Utah’s yearlong fight against measles is part of the broader concern over whether the U.S. can hold onto elimination status.

What readers should do before traveling

CDC says people who are not already vaccinated or do not know their status should get two doses of MMR at least two weeks before international travel. If the trip is sooner, CDC says a dose is still worth getting.

If fever and rash appear after travel or exposure, contact a clinician quickly and mention possible measles exposure.

Sources

• CDC — Measles Cases and Outbreaks
• CDC Data — Wastewater Data for Measles
• AAP News — Measles cases update
• Associated Press — Utah measles outbreak report

According to the CDC, at least 48 cases had been confirmed as of June 30, including 38 severe cases. Federal health officials also said 23 states had reported finding West Nile virus. That does not mean every state has the same level of risk, and it does not mean the count is final. The CDC says the data can lag state and local reporting, so the national map should be read as an early surveillance snapshot, not a completed tally.

What to do now

The practical prevention advice is simple. Use an insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, wear long loose-fitting shirts and pants, avoid being outside from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and use screens on windows and doors or air conditioning when you can. Those steps will not eliminate risk, but they can reduce the chance of a bite during peak mosquito season.

What symptoms to watch for

Most people infected with West Nile never develop symptoms. Some develop a flu-like illness with fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe illness is rare, but it can affect the nervous system and lead to hospitalization or death. If a possible mosquito exposure is followed by high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, confusion, or tremors, medical care should not wait.

Older adults and people with certain chronic conditions face higher risk of severe illness. For most readers, the main takeaway is not panic but timing: mosquito precautions matter now, especially for evening activities, outdoor work, travel, and holiday gatherings.

Sources

• CDC — West Nile Virus Current Year Data (June 30, 2026)
• Associated Press — CDC urges people to prevent mosquito bites as West Nile virus spreads (July 1, 2026)

The FDA and CDC posted outbreak and recall guidance on June 13, 2026. The investigation covers three confirmed or suspected infant botulism illnesses in infants from California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The federal updates reported three hospitalizations and no deaths.

The recall is narrow, but the instruction for families is broad within that product line: stop using all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula currently in the U.S. market. Officials are not saying all infant formula is affected.

What was recalled and where it was sold

Nara Organics voluntarily recalled all lots of its powdered infant formula currently on the market after the FDA recommended a recall. The recall is not limited to the three lots linked to the reported infant exposures.

The affected product includes Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula in 700-gram and 400-gram cans. FDA records say the formula was distributed nationally through Target retail stores, Target.com and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026. The FDA said Nara infant formula was not distributed outside the United States.

Testing has not been reported as complete. The FDA said it is in the early stages of the investigation and that further testing by the FDA and state partners is underway. Nara says no Nara formula had tested positive for C. botulinum as of its recall notice.

What families should do now

CDC guidance says families should not feed infants the recalled Nara formula. Unopened cans should be thrown away or returned. For opened cans, CDC advises taking a picture or recording the lot number and use-by date before disposal or storage.

Families may consider keeping an opened can in case a state health department wants to test it later if an infant develops symptoms. If kept, the can should be clearly labeled DO NOT USE and stored safely away from anything used to feed the baby for at least a month. If no symptoms appear after a month, CDC says the leftover formula can be thrown away.

CDC also advises washing items and surfaces that may have touched the formula with hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. Businesses should not sell, donate or use recalled formula.

Symptoms may take weeks to appear

Infant botulism can be severe and can require urgent care. CDC says symptoms can take several weeks to develop, so parents of infants who consumed Nara formula should watch for symptoms for a month after the last feeding.

Symptoms highlighted by federal and company recall guidance include constipation, poor feeding, weak or altered cry, loss of head control or muscle tone, trouble sucking or swallowing, drooping eyelids, decreased facial expression, generalized weakness and breathing difficulty. CDC says families should seek immediate medical care if an infant who consumed the recalled formula shows signs such as poor feeding, loss of head control, trouble swallowing or decreased facial expression.

Refunds and returns

Nara says website orders from May and June 2026 are being automatically refunded, and orders still in process have been canceled and refunded. Nara.com customers whose most recent order was placed in March or April 2026 and who were actively feeding with Nara infant formula may request refunds by sending photos of the bottom of each can.

Target customers who bought 700-gram cans can return them through a Target store or follow Target’s online return instructions, according to Nara’s recall page. Nara says Target did not sell 400-gram cans.

Federal officials say they do not expect the recall to create broader infant formula shortage concerns because Nara Organics formula accounts for less than 1% of infant formula sold in the United States. The main items to watch next are FDA and CDC updates on testing results, any change in the case count and any revised return or safety guidance from the company or retailers.

Sources

• FDA outbreak investigation: Infant botulism and powdered infant formula, June 2026
• CDC food safety alert: Infant botulism outbreak linked to powdered infant formula
• Nara Organics recall information page