CDC Investigates Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Sickening Over 400 in Four States

The CDC is investigating a cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened more than 400 people in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. Fox News reported that press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is working with the CDC and FDA to trace the source and that the agencies have the resources they need.

" She added that officials are tracing the outbreak back to its original source.

The CDC said the actual number of illnesses is likely much higher because many infected people never seek testing or medical care. The CDC stated the outbreak appears to have accelerated since May 2026 and that it is investigating several additional clusters of cyclospora infections across the country.

Public health officials are interviewing patients about everything they ate in the two weeks before becoming sick.

Cyclospora infections have historically been associated with fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs and berries. The CDC said the parasite is not typically life-threatening but can cause serious illness requiring hospitalization. Symptoms generally begin about a week after exposure and include prolonged watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach cramps and weight loss.

Without treatment the illness can last for weeks or longer. The CDC urged consumers to wash fresh produce thoroughly under running water, cook food when possible and stay hydrated if symptoms develop. It also said patients may need to specifically request testing for the parasite because routine stool tests do not always screen for it.