Federal health officials report that widespread outbreaks of cyclospora—a parasite causing watery, explosive diarrhea—are expected to persist through August as investigators trace contaminated food supplies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,645 cases nationwide, with 145 hospitalizations, while maintaining a backlog of 5,100 potential cases awaiting diagnostic analysis.
The Current Scope of the Cyclospora Outbreak
The CDC is currently managing an unusually high volume of cyclosporiasis cases. According to Gwen Biggerstaff, deputy director of the CDC’s division of foodborne, waterborne, and environmental diseases, the confirmed numbers are likely a significant undercount. Because many individuals experience mild symptoms and recover, the true prevalence of the parasite remains higher than official lab-confirmed reports.
State data often outpaces federal reporting due to processing delays. For example, while the CDC works through its national backlog, Michigan officials recently reported more than 2,800 illnesses linked to the current outbreak. Federal and state investigators are specifically examining whether lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Michigan may be linked to these clusters, though a definitive source has not been identified.
Did you know?
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the cyclospora protozoa. Unlike common bacteria, this parasite has an incubation period that can last several weeks, making it difficult for patients to accurately recall specific meals consumed six to eight weeks prior.
Why Climate Change May Influence Parasite Prevalence
The rise in foodborne illnesses is being studied against the backdrop of changing environmental conditions. Experts suggest that as global temperatures shift, more warm-weather days allow microbes like cyclospora to thrive in the food supply chain. These infections are most common between May and August.
Donald Prater, the FDA’s acting deputy commissioner for food, noted that the agency is actively following leads provided by the CDC to identify the specific vectors of these clusters. Past outbreaks have been linked to bagged salads, herbs, raspberries, and lettuce.
Public Health Infrastructure and Surveillance Gaps
The current investigation faces scrutiny regarding the resources available to public health agencies. In the year preceding this outbreak, the Trump administration cut $11.4 billion for state and local health departments and narrowed the scope for the CDC’s FoodNet program, which tracks foodborne illness trends.
Biggerstaff acknowledged that state agencies are often under-resourced when responding to foodborne outbreaks. While the CDC conducts weekly coordination calls with state officials, experts in foodborne illness have voiced concerns that reduced surveillance capacity limits the ability to identify outbreak sources quickly. A 2022 study highlighted a 443% increase in recorded infections when comparing the period from 2016 to 2018, to 2021, though the CDC noted this may reflect improved detection of infections rather than true increases in the number of cases.
Proactive Steps for Consumer Safety
To mitigate risk, federal officials advise Americans to thoroughly wash all fresh produce before consumption. Cooking produce is also advised.
Pro Tip: If you experience persistent, watery diarrhea, specifically ask your healthcare provider for a cyclospora-specific test. Standard stool panels often fail to detect the parasite, and sometimes require a special test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is cyclospora transmitted?
The parasite is typically transmitted through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces.
What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
The primary symptom is watery, explosive diarrhea.
Why is it hard to identify the source of an outbreak?
The long incubation period—often weeks—means patients have difficulty remembering what they ate. Additionally, the time required for diagnosis and reporting creates a significant lag between consumption and investigation.
Should I avoid eating lettuce?
Health officials have not issued a blanket ban on lettuce, but they emphasize that washing produce thoroughly or cooking it can reduce the risk of infection.
Have you been affected by recent food safety alerts or have questions about how to report a suspected illness? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates on public health investigations.
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