The confirmed count rose from 27 to 45 cases in five days. Health officials have not connected the local infections to a specific product, restaurant or brand.
Updated July 29, 2026.
By Hola Nebraska | With information from Nebraska Examiner
Douglas County has confirmed 45 Cyclospora cases as health officials investigate the increase reported across the Omaha area.
The county had recorded 27 cases as of July 20. By July 25, the count had reached 45, although officials released the new figure July 28.
That represents 18 additional confirmed cases in five days.
Nebraska has not been officially added to the multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce. Local health officials are working with state and federal agencies to determine whether there is a connection.
No source has been confirmed for the Douglas County infections. The cases should not be attributed to Taco Bell, Taylor Farms, a particular store or any specific product.
What investigators know about the Douglas County cases
The Douglas County Health Department is reviewing patients’ meals, grocery purchases, travel and other possible exposures.
Taco Bell was the most commonly reported exposure during the first round of patient interviews. However, a shared exposure does not prove that the restaurant or one of its ingredients caused the infections.
Local investigators continue comparing patient information with data from Nebraska health officials, the CDC and the FDA.
Related: Cyclospora cases in Nebraska: symptoms, testing and treatment
Symptoms of a Cyclospora infection
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food or water. It causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis.
Frequent watery diarrhea is the most common symptom. Other symptoms can include:
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Bloating and increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure. However, they can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks later.
Without treatment, the illness can last several weeks. Symptoms may temporarily disappear and then return.
Direct transmission between people is unlikely. Infection usually occurs after someone consumes contaminated food or water.
What to do if you have symptoms
People with persistent diarrhea or other possible symptoms should contact a health care provider.
Diagnosing Cyclospora requires a specific stool test. That test is not always included in routine laboratory analysis.
People who live or ate food in Douglas County can also submit a report through the county’s foodborne illness form.
The Douglas County Health Department Epidemiology Division can be reached at 402-444-7214.
National outbreak remains under investigation
The multistate outbreak included 1,947 confirmed cases in nine states as of July 24. Nebraska was not among those states.
Federal investigators linked that outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The company recalled products supplied to restaurants, food-service customers and some retail stores.
That federal finding does not establish the source of the 45 Douglas County cases.
The FDA advises consumers to discard or return only the products included in the recall. The warning does not apply to every iceberg lettuce product on the market.
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