Norton Healthcare has diagnosed 10 adult patients with cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing severe gastrointestinal distress, in Kentucky over the last two weeks.
How Cyclospora Spreads Through Fresh Produce
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, humans become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. In the U.S., outbreaks typically link back to fresh produce.
- Leafy greens
- Raspberries
- Basil
- Cilantro
Public health experts cited by Time Magazine suggest the primary spread mechanism is human feces. A lack of adequate toilets and sanitation stations in the fields where these vegetables and fruits are harvested serves as a major contamination source. Some experts also suggest that climate change may be creating more fertile, warm, and damp conditions for the parasite to thrive.
The contamination often occurs during the growing or harvesting process, particularly in regions where sanitation infrastructure is limited.
The Scale of the 2025 and 2026 Outbreaks
While the parasite is a seasonal threat that peaks during warmer months, recent numbers show significant volatility across different states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,180 domestically acquired cases across 38 states in 2025, resulting in 105 hospitalizations and no deaths.
In Michigan, the situation is particularly severe.
“Typically in the state we see 40 to 50 cases in an average year. But as soon as we started to see an uptick in more reports of cyclosporiasis than we normally see in this time frame, we became concerned.”
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, infectious-disease physician and chief medical executive for the state of Michigan, via Time Magazine
Dr. Bagdasarian told Time that Michigan has reported more than 700 cases, while CBS News reported that Michigan health officials previously cited nearly 1,000 cases within a two-week window. Other states reporting significant numbers include Illinois with 141 cases and New York, which has seen dozens of cases since May.
When a spike is detected, epidemiologists conduct investigations. This process involves interviewing patients about the specific brands and stores where they purchased produce to find a common denominator. However, identifying the exact source is often difficult.
Identifying Symptoms and Diagnosis Hurdles
The infection is characterized by severe gastrointestinal distress. Norton Healthcare describes the condition as causing “explosive diarrhea”. Other symptoms identified by the Georgia Department of Public Health and the CDC include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Stomach cramping and bloating
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Weight loss and fatigue
Diagnosis is not always immediate. Dr. Bagdasarian noted that many patients manage diarrhea symptoms without seeking medical help, and doctors may not immediately order a specific test for Cyclospora. Furthermore, some routine stool tests do not include the parasite, meaning the upward trend in cases is often noted well after the initial exposure. According to the CDC, those infected can remain sick for two days to two weeks or longer. Without treatment, symptoms can persist for over a month.
Because the parasite is relatively rare, most standard testing panels don’t include Cyclospora. Clinicians must specifically request a Cyclospora stain to detect it.
Prevention and Risk Mitigation
There is currently no evidence that the parasite spreads from person to person. Prevention focuses on food hygiene and sanitation. The CDC and Georgia health officials recommend the following protocols to reduce risk:
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling, preparing, or eating raw fruits and vegetables.
- Rinse all fresh produce thoroughly under running water.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked produce within two hours.
- Avoid food or water potentially contaminated with fecal matter.
Individuals living in or traveling to subtropical regions may face an increased risk of infection. While the source of the current nationwide outbreak has not been identified, state health departments are conducting in-depth interviews with patients regarding their grocery purchases and restaurant visits to pinpoint the contaminated source.
If you are experiencing symptoms of severe gastrointestinal distress, consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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