Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Spreads Across 32 US States, Michigan Hardest Hit
A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, is affecting over 1,000 people across 32 US states, with Michigan reporting more than 1,500 cases—far exceeding its typical annual count. New York has also seen 470 cases since May. Symptoms include explosive diarrhea and dehydration, with contaminated fresh produce like berries and basil suspected. The CDC is investigating multiple clusters, and antibiotics are effective for treatment. No deaths have been reported.
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Cyclospora Cases in US Hit All-Time High
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a record-breaking outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the United States, with over 2,500 new cases confirmed across dozens of states. Since May 1, the total number of confirmed infections has reached 4,173, making it the largest outbreak on record. Some states are experiencing significantly higher case numbers than others, though the article does not specify which states are most affected. Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection typically linked to contaminated food or water, causing gastrointestinal illness. The CDC continues to monitor the situation and investigate the source of the outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Affects 34 States, CDC Reports Thousands of Cases
A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness caused by a microscopic parasite typically found in contaminated fresh produce, has impacted at least 34 states across the United States. The CDC has reported close to 7,000 confirmed or suspected cases nationwide as of mid-July 2026. However, the agency warns that the actual number of infections is likely much higher due to underdiagnosis and underreporting. Dr. Omer Awan, a physician and senior public health contributor for Forbes, discussed the outbreak on Forbes Newsroom, providing expert insight into the illness and its spread. The article highlights the ongoing public health concern and the challenges in tracking the true scope of the outbreak.
CDC Reports Nearly 7,000 Cyclosporiasis Cases Under Investigation
The CDC has reported that nearly 7,000 people in the United States may have cyclosporiasis, a parasitic foodborne illness that causes prolonged intestinal distress and diarrhea. As of the latest federal figures, there are 1,645 lab-confirmed domestic cases, with an additional 5,100 cases under investigation. The number of suspected cases is substantially higher than previously reported, indicating a significant outbreak. Health authorities are working to identify the source of the contamination and prevent further spread.
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Cyclosporiasis Outbreak in the United States: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, has been reported in the United States. According to a July 14, 2026 CDC health advisory, 1,645 confirmed domestic cases have been reported since May 1, with an additional 5,100 cases requiring further analysis across 34 states. This is substantially higher than the 249 cases reported by the same time last year. The parasite spreads through the fecal-oral route via contaminated food or water, causing symptoms including explosive watery diarrhea, bloating, stomach cramps, and fatigue. Testing is challenging as the parasite may not shed enough in a single stool sample. Treatment involves 7-10 days of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Of the confirmed cases, 141 (9%) were hospitalized, with no deaths reported. While no specific food source has been confirmed, Michigan health officials have flagged lettuce and salad greens as potential sources. Previous outbreaks have been linked to contaminated fresh produce.
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Spreads in US with Over 1,000 Cases Reported Across 32 States
The CDC has reported an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing diarrhea, spreading across the United States. Cases have been confirmed in 32 states, including California, with the total number exceeding 1,000. The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, is typically linked to contaminated produce but may also be found in other sources. Health officials are investigating the outbreak and advising the public on prevention measures, including thorough washing of fruits and vegetables. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and fatigue, and the infection can be treated with antibiotics.
Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak in USA Causes Explosive Diarrhea, Hundreds Infected
A significant outbreak of the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis is spreading across the United States, with over 1,500 cases reported in Michigan alone—far exceeding the typical annual average of 50. The CDC reports infections in 31 states, with New York identifying 470 cases since May 1. The parasite, transmitted via fecally contaminated food or water, causes watery and explosive diarrhea that can last from days to over a month if untreated. Fresh produce such as raspberries, basil, and salads are suspected sources. While rarely fatal, the infection can lead to severe dehydration. The source of the current outbreak remains under investigation, and case numbers are above seasonal norms.
Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak in USA Causes Explosive Diarrhea, Hundreds Infected
A significant outbreak of the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite is affecting the United States, with over 1,500 cases reported in Michigan alone, far exceeding the typical annual average of 50 cases. The CDC reports infections across 31 states, with New York identifying 470 cases since May 1. The parasite, which causes watery and explosive diarrhea, is transmitted via contaminated food or water, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables like raspberries, basil, and salads. While rarely fatal, infections can lead to severe dehydration and last from days to over a month if untreated. Epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers from Johns Hopkins warned about the outbreak, noting Michigan as the epicenter. The CDC is investigating the source and whether cases are linked, with summer months typically seeing higher transmission rates.
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Spreads Across 18 US States, Michigan Hit Hardest
A parasitic stomach bug called cyclosporiasis, caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, is spreading across 18 US states with a major outbreak in Michigan. The CDC reports 145 cases nationally, with Michigan alone seeing at least 170 cases in under two weeks—far exceeding its typical annual count of 50. Symptoms include watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea, low-grade fever, and stomach problems, appearing 2 to 14 days after consuming contaminated food or water. No deaths have been reported, though hospitalizations have occurred. The source remains unidentified, but experts suspect contaminated fresh produce like cilantro, basil, berries, and melons. Prevention includes cooking food thoroughly, washing produce, and using soap and water followed by alcohol-based hand sanitizer, as bleach does not kill the parasite. Antibiotics can treat the infection; without treatment, symptoms may last over a month.
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Spreads Across 18 US States, Michigan Hardest Hit
A parasitic stomach bug called cyclosporiasis, caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, is spreading across 18 US states with a major outbreak in Michigan. The parasite causes watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea, along with other stomach issues, and can be contracted through contaminated food or water. As of mid-June, 145 cases have been reported nationwide, with Michigan alone reporting at least 170 cases in under two weeks—far exceeding its typical annual count of about 50. The CDC has not identified a single multistate outbreak source but is investigating multiple clusters. Likely culprits include fresh produce such as cilantro, basil, strawberries, blueberries, and melons. Health officials recommend cooking food thoroughly, washing produce, and practicing good hand hygiene with soap and water followed by alcohol-based sanitizer, as bleach does not kill the parasite. Antibiotics can treat the infection, which may last a month or longer if untreated.