Cyclospora Infections on the Rise Across the United States

Health officials have reported an increase in cases of cyclospora infection, known as cyclosporiasis, across the United States. This foodborne illness often leads to intense diarrhea outbreaks.

Current Outbreaks

States including Michigan have reported significant numbers of infections. Cyclosporiasis results from the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. According to the CDC, symptoms involve watery diarrhea, commonly severe and frequent.

Previous American outbreaks linked these infections to contaminated fresh produce. The frequency of these outbreaks increases during the summer months, with cases usually manifesting from May through August.

States Reporting Cases

Numerous states have confirmed cases:

• Alaska
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

Michigan has reported over 700 confirmed cases, marking a substantial outbreak. Ohio noted 177 cases, and other states like Texas, New York, and North Carolina have seen increased case numbers or are investigating clusters.

CDC Insights

The CDC reports that cases tend to rise in the summer. From May 1 to June 16, data showed 145 cases across 17 states, involving 20 hospitalizations without any deaths. Current surveillance data are delayed, so actual figures might be higher than reported.

The CDC has clarified that not all reported cases stem from a single national outbreak. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain if any share a common food source.

Challenges in Case Reporting

Not all infected individuals get laboratory tests or medical care, often resulting in underreported cases. The reporting timeline—from exposure to diagnosis—introduces further delays in surveillance data.

Foods Previously Linked to Cyclospora

Although no specific food has been implicated in the current outbreaks, past U.S. infections have associated with:

• Basil
• Cilantro
• Mesclun lettuce
• Bagged salad mixes
• Raspberries
• Snow peas
• Green onions

Fresh produce contamination typically occurs before reaching consumers, primarily through infected water sources. The parasite requires environmental maturation before it becomes infectious and is not spread directly person to person.

Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection

Symptoms typically start about a week after consuming tainted food or water but can appear sooner or later. Common symptoms are:

• Watery diarrhea
• Severe and frequent diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Without treatment, these symptoms can persist for weeks and may recur after seeming improvement.

Ongoing Investigations

The FDA, CDC, and state health departments are examining potential contamination sources. As cyclospora infections follow a seasonal pattern, more cases are expected. Investigations aim to determine if the current cases arise from separate events.