Outbreak Spreads to 34 States, CDC Reports
A cyclosporiasis outbreak has spread to 34 states, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 1,645 confirmed cases as of Tuesday. However, the true number of infections is likely much higher, as the figure only includes cases reported directly to the CDC. Many individuals recover without medical care, and reporting lags by up to six weeks. Michigan alone has reported 3,309 cases, the highest number in the country. The illness, caused by the parasite *Cyclospora*, leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration. As of Thursday, 141 hospitalizations have been recorded nationwide, though no deaths have been reported.
Clusters and Suspected Sources
Health officials are investigating multiple clusters of cases, including a multistate outbreak involving Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The CDC has noted that the current surge in cases exceeds the same period last year, when only 249 cases were reported nationally. While the source remains unidentified, previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce like lettuce, raspberries, basil, and cilantro. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services suggested that lettuce or salad greens may be involved in the current outbreak, though no definitive product has been confirmed.
For more on this story, see Norton Healthcare Reports Cyclosporiasis Spike in Kentucky Amid National Outbreak.
Public health officials emphasize that cyclosporiasis is not transmitted between people but rather through contaminated food or water. “The source of this outbreak is what we eat or drink — not casual contact with someone who’s sick,” said Gwen Biggerstaff, deputy director of the CDC’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases. The CDC also noted that cases typically rise in spring and summer, but this year’s increase has been more pronounced than in recent years.
Prevention Measures and Public Health Advisories
To reduce the risk of infection, the CDC and health officials recommend cooking fresh produce to at least 158°F, which kills the parasite. They also advise washing all fruits and vegetables under running water, even if labeled “prewashed.” Handwashing with soap before and after handling produce is critical. Public health experts caution against eating raw or undercooked foods linked to past outbreaks, such as leafy greens, berries, and herbs.
This follows our earlier report, Michigan Cyclosporiasis Cases Surge to Over 700 in Unusual Parasitic Outbreak.
Despite these guidelines, the CDC has not issued a specific food recall, as the source of the current outbreak remains under investigation. In Michigan, Taco Bell temporarily removed lettuce, cilantro, and other fresh ingredients from menus following a recall, but officials have not confirmed a direct link to the outbreak. “It’s good the chain has already voluntarily stopped serving a number of items,” a source told *The Washington Post*, though the CDC has not identified a single supplier or product as the cause.
Ongoing Investigation and Challenges
The CDC is interviewing patients to trace the source of the outbreak, but challenges persist. Symptoms can appear two days to two weeks after infection, making it difficult for individuals to recall their recent diets. Additionally, the agency has raised concerns about reduced federal resources for foodborne disease surveillance, which may complicate investigations.
Read also: CDC Investigates Outbreak of ‘Explosive’ Diarrhea Across 18 States.
Health officials urge individuals experiencing prolonged watery diarrhea, fatigue, or loss of appetite to seek medical care. Testing for cyclosporiasis requires specific laboratory requests, and treatment with antibiotics is often necessary for recovery. While most people with healthy immune systems eventually recover, the illness can last weeks without treatment. As the investigation continues, the CDC and state health departments are urging vigilance in food safety practices to prevent further spread.
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