CDC Investigates Growing Multistate Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Across the United States

Federal health officials are investigating one of the largest cyclosporiasis outbreaks in recent years after the illness spread across dozens of states. The CDC has confirmed 1,645 laboratory-confirmed cases in 34 states, while more than 5,100 additional reported illnesses are being evaluated to determine whether they are part of the same outbreak. Officials say the total number of cases is expected to increase as more reports are processed. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People infected with the parasite often experience severe watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and weight loss. Symptoms may last for days or even weeks without proper treatment. The FDA and CDC are conducting traceback investigations to determine the source of the contamination. Investigators are examining fresh produce—including lettuce and other leafy greens—as possible sources, but officials emphasize that no specific food has been confirmed as the cause of the nationwide outbreak. Health officials reported that 141 people have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been confirmed. Because cyclosporiasis has an incubation period of about one week and reporting can take several weeks, authorities expect additional confirmed cases to emerge in the coming days. The CDC advises consumers to wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly, practice good hand hygiene and seek medical attention if they experience persistent diarrhea or other severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Doctors may need to perform specific laboratory tests to diagnose the infection because routine stool tests do not always detect the parasite. The investigation remains ongoing as federal and state health agencies continue tracing the outbreak in an effort to identify its source and prevent additional illnesses. Officials say they will release further updates as more information becomes available.