Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Confirmed in 31 States With 843 Cases and No Deaths

A cyclosporiasis outbreak has spread to 31 U.S. states, The Independent reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 843 domestic cases since May 1, resulting in 86 hospitalizations and no deaths.

Federal officials stated that the true number of infections is vastly higher. Many infected people recover without seeking medical attention or undergoing specific testing, and several states face significant data processing backlogs. An additional 1,500 suspected cases are undergoing laboratory analysis.

No cases have been recorded in Alabama. New York and Michigan report the highest concentrations of illnesses. Michigan health officials have recorded more than 1,500 local cases, exceeding federal totals because the CDC requires up to six weeks to confirm and log each case.

The illness is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite typically transmitted through water or fresh produce contaminated with human feces. Symptoms usually appear roughly one week after exposure, though the incubation period ranges from two days to more than two weeks. The primary symptom is watery, often explosive diarrhea that carries a severe risk of dehydration.

Additional symptoms include acute fatigue, stomach cramps, bloating, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, a low-grade fever and loss of appetite. Recent CDC data shows the parasite has primarily affected people between the ages of 5 and 88, with a median age of 44. Females account for approximately 59 percent of the cases.

Health investigators have not yet identified a specific food source driving the current multistate spike. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services noted that prior historical outbreaks have been repeatedly traced back to fresh herbs and produce, including bagged salad mixes, pre-cut lettuce blends, fresh cilantro, basil, snow peas, green onions and raspberries.