Health officials across the United States are tracking a rise in cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness caused by a parasite commonly linked to fresh produce, as cases increase ahead of the July Fourth holiday weekend.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hundreds of infections have been reported nationwide since May, with cases confirmed in more than 17 states. While no single nationwide outbreak has been identified, officials say the increase is consistent with a seasonal pattern seen most summers.
What Is Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People typically become infected by eating food contaminated with the parasite, most often raw fruits and vegetables.
The illness is known for causing watery, frequent, and sometimes severe diarrhea. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, fatigue, and low-grade fever.
The CDC says symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure, though they can appear sooner or take up to two weeks to develop.
Case Numbers and Trends
As of June 16, the CDC reported 145 cases of cyclosporiasis contracted within the United States this year. An additional 45 cases were linked to international travel and are tracked separately.
Of the domestic cases, 20 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Patients ranged in age from 5 to 86, with a median age of 42.
Michigan health officials, however, have reported a sharp increase beyond the CDC’s most recent national totals. As of July 1, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said more than 170 cases had been identified in the state alone, more than triple its total number of cases in all of last year.
The CDC has emphasized that the national numbers reflect surveillance data, not a confirmed single outbreak.
“CDC has no evidence of a single, multistate Cyclospora outbreak linking cases happening right now,” the agency said in a June 2 statement.
States Reporting Cases
Based on CDC surveillance data and state health reports, cyclosporiasis cases have been detected in the following states:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Health officials note that case counts may change as reporting continues and additional testing is completed.
How the Parasite Spreads
Cyclospora is spread through what health experts describe as a fecal-oral route. This means the parasite is transmitted when microscopic particles from infected feces contaminate food, water, or surfaces that then enter a person’s mouth.
In the United States, past outbreaks have been linked to produce such as basil, raspberries, lettuce, and other leafy greens. Warm summer weather increases the risk because fresh produce is more widely consumed and often eaten raw.
Treatment and Risk Groups
Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics. While some healthy adults may recover without treatment, untreated infections can last for weeks or months and may come back.
Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness and should seek medical care if symptoms develop.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Health agencies recommend several steps to lower the risk of infection, especially during summer months:
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after food preparation
- Clean cutting boards, utensils, and countertops thoroughly
- Wash and scrub fruits and vegetables, especially those eaten raw
- Peel produce when possible and cut away damaged areas
- Refrigerate cut fruits and vegetables within two hours
- Avoid untreated water for drinking or cooking
Officials stress that washing produce reduces risk but may not eliminate all contamination.
Cyclosporiasis Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Illness | Cyclosporiasis |
| Cause | Cyclospora parasite |
| Main symptom | Watery diarrhea |
| US cases reported | 145 as of June 16 |
| Hospitalizations | 20 |
| Peak season | May through August |
As summer gatherings and outdoor meals increase, public health officials say awareness and careful food handling remain key to preventing infection.
FAQs
What causes cyclosporiasis?
A parasite called Cyclospora found on contaminated food.
What is the main symptom?
Watery and frequent diarrhea.
How do people get infected?
By eating contaminated food or touching contaminated surfaces.
Is there a nationwide outbreak?
No single multistate outbreak has been identified.
Can it be treated?
Yes, antibiotics are used to treat the infection.
