Connecticut Reports 35 Cyclosporiasis Cases, Nearly Double 2025 Figures
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) announced on Monday that the state has confirmed 35 cases of cyclosporiasis this year. This total represents a significant increase compared to the same period last year, when only 19 cases were reported. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic *Cyclospora* parasite. While the state is currently experiencing a rise in infections, health officials emphasized that they have not identified a Connecticut-specific source for the illness. “Connecticut’s surveillance system is doing exactly what it should: identifying cases, tracking exposures, and helping us stay ahead of this illness,” said Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D. “We want to reassure residents that cyclosporiasis is treatable and we have not identified a Connecticut-specific source.”
Understanding the Illness and Symptoms
The parasite infects the small intestine and is typically transmitted through the consumption of food or water contaminated with *Cyclospora*. The primary symptom is frequent, watery, and sometimes explosive diarrhea. Some individuals infected with the parasite may not experience any symptoms at all. According to the DPH, the incubation period—the time between exposure and the onset of illness—is usually about one week, though it can range from as little as two days to more than two weeks. While the illness is not typically life-threatening, the DPH warns that frequent bouts of diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration. This poses a heightened risk for specific populations, including young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as transplant recipients or those undergoing chemotherapy. Most healthy individuals recover without medical intervention, though the illness can be prolonged if left untreated. For those who require it, the condition is treatable with antibiotics, rest, and adequate hydration.
National Context and Surveillance Efforts
The surge in Connecticut cases is part of a broader national trend. Health agencies have reported cases across 17 states, with significant clusters occurring in Michigan. Discrepancies exist in national reporting figures; while the DPH notes reports from 17 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 843 domestic cases across 31 states. The CDC attributes these differences to varying state-level criteria for classifying probable and confirmed cases. Of the 35 cases confirmed in Connecticut: * 22 originated within the United States. * 5 were linked to international travel. * 8 cases remain under investigation as officials work to determine the source of exposure. Healthcare providers in Connecticut are legally required to report cases of the illness to the DPH, which conducts interviews with patients to identify potential exposure patterns. To date, no specific grower, supplier, or food item has been identified as the source of the ongoing national outbreak.
For more on this story, see CDC investigates cyclosporiasis outbreak across 17 states with 145 cases.
Recommended Safety Practices
While no specific food item has been linked to the current outbreak, past outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been associated with fresh produce, including bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions. To mitigate the risk of infection, the DPH and the Yale School of Public Health suggest the following precautions: | Practice | Guideline | | :— | :— | | Produce Preparation | Wash all fresh produce under clean running water, even if it will be peeled. | | Lettuce Selection | Purchase whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed, bagged mixes; discard the outer 2–3 layers of leaves. | | Cooking | Heating produce to 158°F (70°C) or higher is the most reliable way to kill the *Cyclospora* parasite. | | Hygiene | Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling food; sanitize cutting boards and utensils. | | Storage | Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible. | The DPH specifically advises residents to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean brush. For those who choose to consume herbs like cilantro or basil, the department notes that these items are safest when cooked thoroughly. Residents who experience sudden, persistent, or watery diarrhea are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider. Further information regarding the outbreak and safety guidelines is available at cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis.
Update (July 14, 2026)
According to forbes.com, the national cyclosporiasis outbreak has intensified significantly, with Michigan reporting more than 3,300 cases as of Tuesday, including 44 hospitalizations. This figure represents a surge of over 700 cases since Monday and more than double the state's count from the previous Friday. Other states are also seeing high numbers, with Ohio reporting 434 cases and New York reporting 470 cases.
While a definitive source remains unidentified, Michigan health officials stated that preliminary investigations suggest lettuce or salad greens may be responsible. This rapid increase follows a decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year to remove cyclospora from its Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network program, a move some experts warn may hinder the ability to track rising foodborne illnesses.
Find more reporting in our Health section.
Related reading
