Cyclospora Cases Rise Across the United States

Health authorities in the United States are investigating a growing outbreak of Cyclospora infections after at least 145 confirmed cases were reported across multiple states since early May 2026.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the actual number of infections could be higher because many people may not seek medical care or receive laboratory confirmation.

So far, 20 patients have required hospitalization, although no deaths linked to the outbreak have been reported.

Multiple States Report Infections

The outbreak has affected several states, with New York recording one of the highest numbers of cases, reporting between 31 and 80 infections.

Additional cases have been identified in:

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

Public health officials continue to monitor the spread while investigating possible connections between reported cases.

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People usually become infected after consuming contaminated food or water.

Symptoms often appear about one week after exposure and may include:

• Severe diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Fever

Some infected individuals may experience only mild symptoms, while others may not develop noticeable symptoms at all.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Health experts note that Cyclospora infections can be treated with appropriate antibiotics. However, the parasite does not always appear in routine laboratory tests, making diagnosis more challenging unless healthcare providers specifically test for it.

Without treatment, symptoms may persist for several weeks, leading to dehydration and prolonged gastrointestinal illness.

Investigators Focus on Food Sources

The CDC says there is currently no evidence that Cyclospora spreads directly from person to person.

Because many infected individuals had not traveled outside the United States before becoming ill, investigators believe contaminated domestically grown produce may have contributed to the outbreak.

Public health teams are tracing food supply chains and examining agricultural products to identify the source of contamination.

Prevention Measures

While the investigation continues, health officials encourage consumers to reduce their risk by following proper food safety practices.

The CDC recommends thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before consumption. Although washing may not eliminate every possible contaminant, it remains an important step in reducing exposure to foodborne illnesses.

People experiencing persistent diarrhea or other digestive symptoms should seek medical attention, especially if symptoms continue for several days or worsen over time.

Public Health Outlook

Foodborne outbreaks remain a significant public health challenge because contaminated products can be distributed across multiple regions before infections are detected.

Early reporting, laboratory surveillance, and rapid food safety investigations play a critical role in limiting further transmission and identifying contaminated products. As the investigation progresses, additional information may help authorities determine the precise source of the current outbreak and prevent future cases.