CDC Reports Nearly 7,000 Suspected Cyclosporiasis Cases Nationwide

Nearly 7,000 people across the U.S. may be infected with cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Tuesday, 1,645 cases have been confirmed by the agency, with an additional 5,100 cases currently under investigation. While no deaths have been reported, 141 individuals have required hospitalization since May.

Outbreak Scope and Regional Clusters

The current surge represents one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in the U.S. in years, according to the CDC. Michigan has recorded the highest impact, with 3,309 reported cases. Beyond Michigan, at least 30 other states have identified clusters of the illness. Gwen Biggerstaff, deputy director of the CDC’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, stated that the agency is investigating a potential multistate outbreak involving approximately 400 cases across Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

The CDC reports that cases span a wide demographic, with patients ranging from 2 to 95 years old. Women account for 56% of the confirmed infections. Notably, none of the individuals affected reported international travel, suggesting the source of the parasite is domestic.

Investigating Potential Food Sources

Public health officials are focused on lettuce and salad greens as the primary suspects. Michigan health officials identified these items following more than 1,000 interviews with patients. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet implicated a specific supplier, distributor, or retail chain.

Donald Prater, the FDA’s acting deputy commissioner for food, confirmed that the agency is conducting a state-backed investigation into multiple produce items. While some restaurant chains, such as Taco Bell, have voluntarily removed certain ingredients as a precaution, officials stress that no link to any specific brand or restaurant has been confirmed. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, noted that because distributors supply various establishments, the source is likely broader than a single outlet.

Symptoms and Treatment

Cyclosporiasis is characterized by severe, watery diarrhea, bloating, nausea, and flu-like symptoms, including fatigue and body aches. The parasite is known for a long incubation period—up to two weeks—which complicates efforts to trace the origin of the infection. Patients often remain ill for weeks if left untreated.

According to the CDC, the standard treatment for the infection is the antibiotic Bactrim. Because the parasite is difficult to remove from produce, officials advise that washing fruits and vegetables under clean, running water is essential. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends peeling produce after washing, as the parasite typically resides on outer surfaces. Cooking remains the only reliable method to kill the parasite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary symptom of cyclosporiasis?

The hallmark symptom is severe, watery diarrhea. Other common symptoms include bloating, nausea, fatigue, and body aches.

How is the parasite transmitted?

The Cyclospora parasite is typically transmitted through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with human feces.

Is there a specific food recall in effect?

As of now, no specific product, grocer, or distributor has been identified, and no official food recalls have been issued by the FDA.

How long does the illness last?

Without antibiotic treatment, symptoms can persist for several weeks. Patients are typically treated with the antibiotic Bactrim.

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