CDC tracks 145 cyclosporiasis cases across 17 states

CDC tracks 145 cyclosporiasis cases across 17 states

Federal health officials are monitoring a seasonal surge of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing severe gastrointestinal distress, which has sickened 145 people across 17 states. The illness is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is typically contracted through contaminated food or drink.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these 145 U.S.-acquired cases occurred between May 1 and June 16, 2026. Of those infected, 20 were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. The median age of those affected was 42, with cases appearing in people ranging from ages 5 to 86. Separately, the CDC is tracking 45 people who contracted the parasite while traveling abroad.

New York has reported the highest number of cases in the country with around 80. Texas and Illinois follow with as many as 30 cases each since May 1.

Regional spikes and conflicting data

While federal surveillance tracks the national trend, regional health departments are reporting significant, localized spikes that appear to exceed the CDC's most recent national count. In Michigan, the state health department is managing a large and growing outbreak. Between June 22 and July 1, more than 225 cases were identified across 21 counties and the city of Detroit. This represents a sharp increase from the statewide total of about 50 cases reported in 2025.

Across the border, the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department in Ohio is investigating 65 cases identified between June 25 and July 1. Local officials in northwest Ohio are sharing information with hospitals and health departments in southeastern Michigan to find commonalities.

However, the CDC has not yet linked these regional clusters. In a June 2 statement to USA TODAY, the agency said:

"CDC has no evidence of a single, multistate Cyclospora outbreak linking cases happening right now and being reported in press."

CDC, via USA TODAY

The agency clarified that its current data reflects a surveillance count that includes both unrelated cases and clusters currently under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The challenge of traceback

Public health officials often struggle to identify the specific source of cyclosporiasis due to the nature of the parasite and the timing of the illness. Dr. Wesley Long, medical director of microbiology and pathology informatics with Houston Methodist, noted that symptoms typically do not appear until one to two weeks after exposure. This delay makes it difficult for patients to remember every meal or garnish they consumed.

Dr. Long further explained that herbs are particularly difficult to track because they are often hidden in blended sauces or mixed into prepared dishes. Additionally, the parasite can resist the chlorine-based sanitizers used in produce processing, allowing contaminated items to reach consumers despite routine cleaning.

The parasite is transmitted via a fecal-oral route, often when infected fecal matter contaminates fresh produce. Past U.S. Outbreaks have been linked to cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and mesclun lettuce. Previous instances of contamination have occurred in commercial settings, including a 2018 outbreak tied to salads at McDonald's restaurants in Illinois and Iowa, and a 2023 cluster at a Mexican restaurant in Alabama.

Symptoms and prevention

The most prominent symptom of the infection is watery, frequent, and sometimes explosive diarrhea. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and bloating. While healthy individuals may recover on their own, the CDC warns that untreated illness can last for months and recur. Infants, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.

Treatment typically involves antibiotics. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a health alert to providers on June 30, requesting that stool samples from symptomatic patients be tested and positive results reported within 24 hours.

To reduce risk, health officials recommend washing hands before and after food preparation and thoroughly washing produce before consumption. Dr. Long noted that while raw sushi may be a risk during such surges, cooked meats remain safe as heat kills the bacteria.

The CDC surveillance dashboard is updated monthly, and investigations by the FDA and state agencies continue to search for a potential throughline among the current cases.